Process and apparatus for producing immobilized enzyme granules

Abstract

Enzyme-containing granules are produced by forming drops of a gellable enzyme-containing liquid with a rotating disc and bringing the drops in contact with a gelling solution. The disc is preferably contained in a column, and the gelling solution flows down walls of the column to a reservoir in a lower legion of the column. Drops of the enzyme-containing liquid from the rotating disc contact the gelling solution while flowing down the walls and are carried to the reservoir. Preferably, the enzyme-containing liquid is an aqueous alginate solution containing the enzyme and the gelling solution is an aqueous calcium chloride solution.