Abstract: Permeabilized cells containing trehalose synthase from Meiothermus sp. CBS-01 was entrapped in strontium alginate beads. The immobilization capacity reached 6 units/g-alginate when the enzyme loading was 12 units/g-alginate. The optimum temperature was not affected by immobilization, and was 60 ℃, but the optimum pH was shifted from 6.5 to 7. The enzyme in alginate entrapped cells was more stable at 70 ℃ for 60 min with 60% of its original activity remained, whereas the enzyme in free cells retained 30% of activity. In batch manner, the immobilized cells could be continually reused 10 times with 30% loss of the enzyme activity, and a maximum conversion yield of 60% trehalose could be reached.

Key words: Meiothermus sp., trehalose synthase, immobilization, alginate