| abstract |
In a new process for the enzymatic removal of oxalate, oxalate and oxygen are reacted to give carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide by means of oxalate oxidase. Pref., H2O2 formed by the enzymatic reaction is converted into oxygen and water by means of catalase; this avoids a possibly toxic accumulation of H2O2 and allows the process to be carried out in oxygen-poor media. The enzymes (or microorganisms contg. the enzymes) are pref. used in immobilised form. Used for removal of oxalate from foodstuffs and beverages (e.g. beer, tea, juices, fruits) in order to minimise health hazards and (in the case of beverages) and to avoid discoloration caused by oxalate-induced lowering of pH, and from biological fluids such as plasma, serum and urine in order to avoid interference of oxalate with clinical-chemical analyses. |