New trends in cryoenzymology : II. - Aqueous solutions of enzymes in apolar solvents.

In order to set up new procedures to investigate enzyme systems at subzero temperatures in pure aqueous media, we used micromicellar solutions which are homogeneous, optically transparent and of low viscosity in that range of temperatures. The preparation and the main properties of such solutions are described along with the behavior of enzyme-substrate intermediates. A critical discussion of results permits to examine advantages as well as limitations of this very promising procedure.