Immobilized Carbonic Anhydrase for Carbon Dioxide Management

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalyses the reversible transformation of gaseous CO2 and water into carbonic acid. Its high turnover number makes it one of the most efficient catalysts known. Immobilization of CA in hydrophilic polyurethane foams has been demonstrated, with high retention of activity. Basic operating parameters of immobilized CA reactors have been established, including the effects of liquid and gaseous flow rate, temperature and salinity. Long term stability of the enzyme is excellent. Hollow fiber CA reactors have been similarly tested. Such immobilized CA reactors have potential applications for SCUBA equipment, for firefighting and mine breathing apparatus, where CO2 disposal is important; for exhaust management in fuel burning submersibles; and for supplying CO2 for aquaculture operations.