The effect of pH on the activity of cellulase fractionated between bulk and droplet phases

Aqueous cellulase solutions were vigorously shaked in a separatory funnel, promoting a partition of the enzyme between the droplets formed and the residual bulk solution. The partition coefficient (K ANTPOT. p) was defined as the ratio of protein concentrations in the droplets and in the residual bulk solution. The K ANTPOT. p depended on both initial pH and cellulase concentration, being markedly favoured by using dilute enzyme solutions (up to 40 mg/L) and initial pH between 2.0 and 3.0