Improved catalytic enzyme preparations are provided which effectively
catalyze reactions carried out in organic solvents. The preparations
comprise nanoscale solid support particles (e.g., fumed silica or
alumina) having enzyme molecules electrostatically adhered to the
surfaces of the particles. The preparations are prepared by mixing
together solid support particles and enzyme molecules in an aqueous
system under pH conditions establishing opposite charges on the support
particles and enzyme molecules, respectively. The water is then removed
from the system, preferably by pre-freezing followed by lyophilization to
yield free-flowing, particulate catalyst particles which can be used in
liquid organic reactions or in packed bed reactors.