Inactivation of a solid-state detergent protease by hydrogen peroxide vapor and humidity.

An experimental study on solid-state stability of a detergent protease (Savinase) is reported. The inactivation kinetics of technical grade enzyme powder was determined as a function of gas phase H(2)O(2) concentration and humidity by employing a quick assay running over few hours instead of several weeks as typical in industry. The results indicated that enzymes adsorbed significant amounts of moisture and H(2)O(2) during exposure.