The preparation and characterisation of novel microperoxidase biocatalysts

Microperoxidases are haem oligopeptides, derived from the proteolytic digestion of cytochrome c, possessing peroxidase activity. They are termed "microperoxidases" in contrast to other relatively large peroxidases such as horseradish peroxidase. This study investigates i) the preparation of microperoxidases, ii) some of the properties of microperoxidases including their pH profile and stability, temperature profile, and some of their reactions, iii) the immobilisation of microperoxidases. Throughout the study comparisons are drawn between the two different microperoxidases prepared in the study, a microperoxidase purchased from Sigma Chemicals Ltd, horseradish peroxidase, cytochrome c and haemoglobin.