Abstract
This study was undertaken to figure out the effects of hydrolysis conditions on the solubility of insoluble sericin, molecular weight distribution and thermal characteristics of hydrolysates in enzymatic hydrolysis by Alcalase 2.5L. It was indicated that the optimum treatment temperature and pH for the insoluble sericin were 50$\^{C}$ and 11, respectively. When the insoluble sericin was hydrolyzed with a various treatment conditions, the solubility of all hydrolysates were represented above 85% at given conditions. As the enzyme concentration increased, the solubility increased roughly, but the solubility increasement ratio was less above 2% enzyme concentration. As the treatment time increased, the solubility was also increased. It was showed in the molecular weight distribution of hydrolysates treated various enzyme concentrations and treatment times that when enzyme concentrations were 0.5, 2, 3%, the peaks of the distribution curve were shifted to left side which meant low molecular weight and was distributed much quantity with shifted to be left side, but treatment time was 6 hr. the peak was shifted to right side. When enzyme concentration was 5% and treatment time was below 2 hr., the peaks were shifted to right side, but treatment time was above 4hr. the peak was shifted to left side. The number-average molecular weights were distributed from 300 to 800 and those were decreased when treatment time was up to 4 hr., but increased a little when treatment time was 6hr. It was showed in the DSC curves of hydrolysates treated with treatment time of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 hr. fixed 1% o.w.s enzyme concentration and control that the endothermic peak was observed near at 200$\^{C}$. The denaturation peak of the hydrolysates depending on treatment times had a tendency to shift to higher temperature. But, when the treatment time was 6 hr., the peak was shifted to lower temperature comparing another hydrolysates.
