Production of partially phosphorylated myo-inositol phosphates using phytases immobilised on magnetic nanoparticles

Phytases of different origin were covalently bound onto Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (12nm). Binding efficiencies of all three phytases were well above 70% relative to the number of aldehyde groups available on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles. Temperature stability for all three phytases was enhanced as a consequence of immobilisation, whereas pH dependence of enzyme activity was not affected. Maximum catalytic activity of the immobilised phytases was found at 60°C (rye), 65°C (Aspergillus niger) and 70°C (Escherichia albertii). The immobilised enzymes exhibited the same excellent substrate specificities and unique myo-inositol phosphate phosphatase activities as their soluble counterparts. However, the catalytic turnover number dropped drastically for the immobilised phytases. The amount of the desired partially phosphorylated myo-inositol phosphate isomer could be easily controlled by the contact time of substrate solution and immobilised enzymes. The immobilised phytases showed a high operational stability by retaining almost full activity even after fifty uses.