Study of 400 MHz microwave conduction loss effect for a hydrolysis reaction by thermostable β-Glucosidase HT1.

Microwave irradiation at different frequencies gave molecular selective effects, namely higher frequency microwave effects for waters while lower frequency effects for ions. We already reported that 2.45 GHz and 5.80 GHz microwave irradiation gave different results for a hydrolysis reaction by thermostable β-Glucosidase HT1. Here, we design and made a reactor employed 400 MHz microwave irradiation and studied effectiveness of 400 MHz microwave for HT1 reaction, then 400 MHz and 2.45 GHz had ability to accelerate HT1 reaction. In consideration of general mechanism of enzymatic glycoside hydrolysis, our results would be reasonable if ions are key reaction species because 400 MHz microwave activated ions selectively. In addition, phenomenon that 400 MHz microwave would not be affected water molecules by dielectric heating might contribute the enzyme stability. This report should support that microwave is not only a tool to heat reactions efficiently but also can bring unique effects for reactions.