[Characterization of Escherichia coli esterase B after separation by chromatography].

Esterase B of Escherichia coli has been purified 56 fold with recovery of 39%. The apparent molecular weight as determined by gel filtration was approximately 57000. The pI as determined by isoelectric focusing was 4.6. This enzyme exhibited Michaelis-Menton kinetics with apparent Km of 0.25 mM for l-naphtyl acetate. It remained stable at 60 degrees C but was sensitive to pH values below 6. The esterase activity was completely inhibited by Di-isopropyl-fluorophosphate (DFP) but was resistant to iodoacetamide and to EDTA.