Catalytic properties of α-chymotrypsin in organic media

α-Chymotrypsin was deposited on Celite and the resulting immobilized preparations were used to carry out peptide synthesis reactions in organic media with only small amounts of water present. The influence of different parts of the donor ester and acceptor nucleophile substrate molecules on the kinetics of the enzymatic reactions was studied. The specificity of α-chymotrypsin in organic media was a combination of its substrate specificity in aqueous media and solvent effects. The kinetics of peptide synthesis can thus be modulated by using suitable solvents and protecting groups.