Solubility of Modified Cellulase in Mixed Solvents of Acetone/ Water and Ethyl Alcohol/Water

Cellulases from three different sources were modified by two copolymers of α-allyl-ω- methoxy polyoxyethlene and maleic acid anhydride, in which the modification degree was varied by the weight ratio of the copolymer and cellulase. Cellulase with modification degree greater than 40% was found to be soluble in aqueous solution of acetone and ethyl alcohol, leaving the native cellulase and impurities from the fermentation broth in the residue. This enables the modified cellulase to be isolated in the mixed solvents.