Production of Copper and Cobalt Aluminate Spinels and Their Application As Supports for Inulinase Immobilization

Abstract

Copper and cobalt aluminates were obtained through the use of chitosan as template. In this synthesis route, chitosan is eliminated by heating, and a porous material is produced. These oxides were used as supports for inulinase immobilization by adsorption process. Physical properties of produced particles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Both oxides presented particles containing mesoporous characteristics and high surface area, which is desirable for applications in enzyme immobilization processes. The results revealed that the copper and cobalt aluminates exhibit high inulinase immobilization efficiencies, which makes them promising supports for enzyme immobilization.

Keywords:
CuAl₂O₄; CoAl₂O₄; synthesis; characterization; inulinase; immobilization