TERMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE DESIGN OF ENZYME REACTORS.

Operation of enzyme reactors may be improved by use of the proper temperature operating policy. For the endothermic reversible isomerization of D-glucose to D-fructose, via glucose isomerase, optimal policy suggests operation at as high a temperature as possible to enhance both equilibrium conversion and rate of reaction. Conversely, when the temperature exceeds a certain level, enzyme denaturation and consequently a diminished rate of reaction occurs. The optimal temperature policy for the above reaction system in a batch or plug flow reactor can be formulated using the calculus of variations. The results indicate that under similar conditions 10% less deactivation occurs by the proposed temperature control method than by use of the optimum isothermal temperature. Mathematical equations derived for designing purposes are included in this brief report.