Abstract

DECOMPOSITION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE BY CATALASE

Michele Vitolo*

ABSTRACT

Catalase was the first oxidoreductase identified, characterized, and produced. It catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and into oxygen in aerobic organisms. Catalase associated with superoxide dismutase eliminates free radicals (O2-, O2-2, and HO-) inside the cells and fluids of living beings. Recently, it was shown that catalase may be anchored on the cytoplasmic membrane of tumor cells, playing a role in cancer development. Moreover, catalase showed significant performance in industry processes in which hydrogen peroxide is an intermediate, such as in the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid by glucose oxidase. It was described that glucose oxidation in a continuous membrane reactor had conversion yields of 88% and 48% in the presence or absence of catalase, respectively.

Keywords: Catalase, Hydrogen peroxide.