Catalase, Oxidoreductase, 9001-05-2

Catalase, Oxidoreductase, 9001-05-2

CATALASE (HYDROGEN PEROXIDE DECOMPOSING ENZYME)

Catalase / Hydrogen Peroxidase / Oxidoreductase / Peroxidase / H₂O₂ Decomposing Enzyme

• CAS Number: 9001-05-2

• EC Number: 232-577-1

• Enzyme Class: EC 1.11.1.6

SECTION 1: PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Description:
Catalase is an oxidoreductase enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen. As a heme protein, catalase consists of four subunits (tetramer) with each subunit containing an iron-containing porphyrin (heme) group. The enzyme is a natural antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. In the food industry, it is used especially in dairy products for hydrogen peroxide removal, providing oxidative stability, and extending product shelf life. It is also used in the textile industry (H₂O₂ removal after bleaching), paper industry, and wastewater treatment.

SECTION 2: SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES

SECTION 3: ENZYMATIC STRUCTURE

3.1. Molecular Structure
Catalase is a heme protein consisting of four identical subunits (tetramer). Each subunit contains a porphyrin (heme) group with an iron ion (Fe³⁺). The enzyme's active site is organized around the iron ion in the heme group. The iron ion plays a critical role in the catalytic mechanism and is essential for enzyme activity. Bovine liver catalase typically has a molecular weight of ~240,000 Da. Microbial catalases may be smaller (60,000-100,000 Da).

3.2. Catalytic Mechanism
Catalase catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen in two main steps:

1. First Step (Oxidation): The iron ion (Fe³⁺) in the catalase heme group reacts with one hydrogen peroxide molecule (H₂O₂), forming water (H₂O) and a high-energy intermediate called Compound I. In this step, the iron ion is oxidized to Fe⁴⁺.

2. Second Step (Reduction): Compound I reacts with a second hydrogen peroxide molecule (H₂O₂), forming water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). In this step, the enzyme returns to its initial Fe³⁺ state.

3.3. Molecular Weight
60,000 - 250,000 Da (depending on source; bovine liver: ~240,000 Da tetramer; microbial: 60,000-100,000 Da)

3.4. Basic Structural Properties

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 5: ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY AND REACTION

SECTION 6: REACTION MECHANISM

Catalase catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen through a mechanism involving the following steps:

6.1. First Step - Oxidation
The iron ion (Fe³⁺) in the catalase heme group reacts with one hydrogen peroxide molecule (H₂O₂). This reaction produces one water molecule (H₂O) and a high-energy intermediate called "Compound I." In this step, the iron ion is oxidized to Fe⁴⁺.

6.2. Second Step - Reduction
Compound I (oxidized enzyme) reacts with a second hydrogen peroxide molecule (H₂O₂). This reaction produces one water molecule (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). In this step, the enzyme returns to its initial Fe³⁺ state.

6.3. Reaction Balance
Overall reaction: 2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂

6.4. High Catalytic Rate
Catalase is one of the fastest known enzymes. Its turnover number is approximately 40 million molecules of H₂O₂ per second. This means that one catalase molecule can convert 40 million hydrogen peroxide molecules into water and oxygen per second.

SECTION 7: REACTION EQUATIONS

7.1. Catalase Reaction (Main Reaction)
2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂

7.2. First Step (Oxidation)
Catalase (Fe³⁺) + H₂O₂ → Catalase (Fe⁴⁺=O) + H₂O
(Compound I)

7.3. Second Step (Reduction)
Catalase (Fe⁴⁺=O) + H₂O₂ → Catalase (Fe³⁺) + H₂O + O₂

7.4. Overall Reaction
2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂

7.5. Enzyme Inactivation (Thermal)
Catalase (active) → Catalase (inactive) (≥50°C, 10-15 minutes)

7.6. Enzyme Inhibition (Cyanide)
Catalase + CN⁻ → Catalase-CN⁻ Complex (inactive)

SECTION 8: CATALASE TYPES

SECTION 9: APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

9.1. Dairy Products Industry

Example Recipe – Hydrogen Peroxide Removal in Milk:

• Milk: 1000 L

• Catalase: 1-5 g (depending on activity)

• Application temperature: 25-35°C

• Incubation time: 10-30 minutes

After H₂O₂ is added to milk (e.g., before pasteurization), dissolve catalase in a small amount of water and add to milk. Incubate for the specified time. Catalase decomposes H₂O₂ into water and oxygen. Inactivate the enzyme by heat treatment.

9.2. Food Industry (General)

9.3. Textile Industry

9.4. Paper and Pulp Industry

9.5. Wastewater and Environmental Technologies

9.6. Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry

9.7. Research and Biotechnology

SECTION 10: ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON

10.1. Catalase vs Peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7)

10.2. Catalase vs Chemical Reduction (Sodium Thiosulfate, Ascorbic Acid)

10.3. Catalase vs Superoxide Dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1)

SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGY AND SAFETY

11.1. Acute Toxicity

11.2. Regulatory Status

SECTION 12: GHS CLASSIFICATION (Powder Form)

Signal Word: Danger

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation mark), GHS08 (Health Hazard)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

• H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled

• H319: Causes serious eye irritation

• H335: May cause respiratory irritation

Safety Statements (Historical):

SECTION 13: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 14: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 15: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 16: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

SECTION 17: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 18: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 19: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 20: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

SECTION 21: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 22: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q1: Is catalase safe for food applications?
A1: Yes. Catalase is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and approved as a food enzyme by EFSA. It is widely used in dairy products, fruit juice, and other food products. However, the powder form may cause allergic reactions when inhaled, so appropriate personal protective equipment should be used.

Q2: What is the effect of catalase on hydrogen peroxide?
A2: Catalase decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). This reaction neutralizes harmful H₂O₂. Reaction: 2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂. Catalase is one of the fastest known enzymes (turnover number ~40 million s⁻¹).

Q3: What is the difference between catalase and peroxidase?
A3: Catalase specifically decomposes H₂O₂ into water and oxygen and does not require an electron donor. Peroxidase uses H₂O₂ as a substrate but requires an electron donor (e.g., phenol, ABTS) for the reaction. Catalase is much faster and more specific for H₂O₂ removal. Peroxidase is used for oxidation reactions.

Q4: Is catalase suitable for vegan and halal products?
A4: Microbial (fungal or bacterial) sourced catalases are suitable for vegan and halal certification. Animal-derived (bovine liver) catalases are not vegan. Microbial catalases are preferred for vegan and halal products as they contain no animal ingredients. Relevant certificates can be obtained from manufacturers.

Q5: What is the shelf life of catalase?
A5: In unopened original packaging, stored in a cool (4-25°C) and dry place away from direct sunlight, a shelf life of 12-24 months is recommended. For long-term storage, storing at 4°C minimizes activity loss. Catalase is light-sensitive; store in the dark.

Q6: How should catalase be stored?
A6: Store in a cool (preferably 4-25°C), dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers. Moisture, high temperature (>40°C), and direct sunlight cause activity loss. Contact with heavy metals (copper, silver, mercury) and cyanide should be avoided.

Q7: What are the optimum working conditions for catalase?
A7: The optimum pH of catalase is between 6.0-7.0, and the optimum temperature varies between 25-40°C depending on the source. The enzyme is stable up to 40°C and rapidly inactivated above 50°C. It is light-sensitive due to its heme group. Substrate inhibition may occur at high H₂O₂ concentrations.

Q8: Why is catalase used in dairy products?
A8: In dairy products, catalase is used to remove residual hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) used during pasteurization or other processes. H₂O₂ can cause oxidative damage, flavor deterioration, and shorten shelf life. Catalase eliminates these problems by decomposing H₂O₂ into water and oxygen.

Q9: How is catalase used in the textile industry?
A9: In the textile industry, catalase is used to remove residual hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) after fabric bleaching. Residual H₂O₂ after bleaching can negatively affect dyeing processes and damage fabric fibers. Catalase removes H₂O₂ quickly and efficiently.

Q10: What are the effects of inhaling catalase powder?
A10: Catalase powder, when inhaled, can cause allergic reactions, asthma-like symptoms, and respiratory tract irritation. Occupational asthma can develop upon repeated exposure to enzyme dust in food and textile industries. Therefore, a dust mask (P2/P3) must always be used when handling the powder form, and local exhaust ventilation should be provided.

SECTION 23: QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

SECTION 24: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. Dust Control and Respiratory Sensitization: Catalase powder can cause occupational asthma upon repeated exposure. Use local exhaust ventilation to prevent dust dispersion and always wear a dust mask (P2/P3). Liquid formulations are safer than powder forms.

2. Activity Loss - Temperature: Catalase is rapidly and irreversibly inactivated above 50°C. Strictly maintain application temperatures within the optimum range (25-40°C). Temperature control is critical in dairy and textile applications.

3. Activity Loss - pH: Catalase loses stability below pH 5.0 or above pH 8.0. Maintain application pH within the optimum range (6.0-7.0). Excessively acidic or basic conditions cause permanent enzyme inactivation.

4. Substrate Inhibition: Catalase shows substrate inhibition at high H₂O₂ concentrations (>50 mM). Maintain H₂O₂ concentration at optimum levels. Excessively high H₂O₂ concentrations reduce enzyme activity.

5. Light Sensitivity: Catalase is light-sensitive due to its heme group. UV light and direct sunlight can cause enzyme inactivation. Store in light-proof containers.

6. Activity Loss - Inhibitors: Cyanide (CN⁻), azide (N₃⁻), fluoride (F⁻), and heavy metals (Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺) inhibit catalase. Avoid these substances in equipment that comes into contact with the enzyme. Stainless steel, HDPE, or glass materials are preferred.

7. Food Grade: Only FDA/EFSA-approved food-grade catalase meeting specifications should be used in food applications. Industrial grade enzymes may contain impurities and are not suitable for human consumption.

8. Source Origin: Microbial (fungal or bacterial) sources are suitable for vegan and halal products. Animal-derived (bovine liver) catalases are not suitable for vegan applications. Always verify source with the manufacturer.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Storage: Store in a cool (4-25°C), dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed, light-proof containers. For long-term storage, +4°C (refrigeration) is recommended. Use within a short period after opening.

• Handling: Use protective gloves, dust mask (P2/P3), and protective goggles. To prevent dust dispersion, preferably use liquid formulations. Prepare working solutions fresh for each application.

• H₂O₂ Concentration: Maintain H₂O₂ concentration at optimum levels (typically 0.01-0.1%). Add H₂O₂ gradually to prevent substrate inhibition.

• Dosage: Calculate the correct dosage according to enzyme activity. Check enzyme activity for each batch. Start with low dosage and adjust based on results. Typical dosage ranges are 0.001-0.01% for dairy applications and 0.01-0.05% for textile applications.

• Enzyme Inactivation: Inactivate the enzyme by heat treatment (≥50°C, 10-15 minutes) after H₂O₂ removal is complete. For dairy products, pasteurization will inactivate residual enzyme activity.

• Light Protection: Store catalase in light-proof containers. Protect from UV light and direct sunlight.

• Quality Control: Perform activity testing for each batch. Maintain production and handling hygiene to prevent microbiological contamination. Monitor H₂O₂ removal efficiency for consistent product quality.

• Waste Management: Dispose of enzyme and contaminated materials in accordance with local regulations. Do not discharge into sewers. If released into wastewater, inactivate the enzyme by heat treatment before disposal.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Catalase powder may cause sensitization when inhaled; appropriate protective equipment should be used. This document does not replace professional or medical advice.