Effect of ultrasound-assisted irradiation on the activities of alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase

This work is focused on the evaluation of the effects of ultrasound irradiation on the activity of alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase. A central composite rotational design was carried out for each of the enzymes to evaluate the effects of temperature and pH on the activities in the presence and absence of ultrasound irradiation. The activation energy was also determined for both enzymes in the presence and absence of ultrasound irradiation. The results obtained for alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase indicated that the ultrasound alters the behavior of enzymes, since they responded differently to alterations of pH and temperature in the presence of ultrasound comparing with effects in the absence. For temperatures up to 50 degrees C the activities of enzymes were always higher in the presence of ultrasound irradiation than in the absence. The activation energy of both enzymes in the presence of ultrasound was considerably reduced. The ultrasound showed to be a promising alternative to improve the enzyme activity, presenting potential for industrial application in enzyme reactions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.