Preparation by suspension polymerization of porous beads for enzyme immobilization

Porous beads have been prepared by suspension polymerization of acrylic monomers and divinyl benzene in the presence of a porogen. The porosity varies greatly with the polymer composition, with the amount and type of porogen and with the conditions for the preparation. The enzyme binding capacity and activity has been determined for a lipase. The best results are found for crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) beads while other polyacrylates are less effective. Compositions based on poly(methacrylic acid) are not suitable for enzyme binding.