Whole cell immobilisation of Natrinema gari BCC 24369 for histamine degradation

Whole cells of Natrinema gari BCC 24369, a novel halophilic archaeon, were immobilised on various matrices by different techniques. Among all matrices tested, Celite showed the highest immobilisation yield. The immobilised whole cells retained histamine-degrading activity as high as 94% of the original activity detected in free whole cells. The catalytic properties of the immobilised whole cells on the Celite support were similar to the corresponding free whole cells, including optimal NaCl concentration (4.0-5.0 M), optimal pH (6.5-7.5), and optimal temperature (40-55 degrees C). Histamine-degrading activity, either in the presence of NaCl at elevated concentrations or at elevated temperatures, became more stable due to immobilisation. Both free and immobilised whole cells were able to degrade histamine specifically. The immobilised whole cells could be reused for the degradation of histamine up to seven cycles without any significant loss in activity. The immobilised whole cells have the potential to be applied for the degradation of histamine in products high in salt. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.