beta-Glucosidase is frequently used to supplement cellulase preparations for hydrolysis of cellulosic and lignocellulosic substrates in order to accelerate the conversion of cellobiose to glucose. Typically, commercial cellulase preparations are deficient in this enzyme and accumulation of cellobiose leads to product inhibition. This study evaluates the potential for recycling beta-glucosidase by immobilization on a methacrylamide polymer carrier, Eupergit C. The immobilized beta-glucosidase had improved stability at 65 degrees C, relative to the free enzyme, while the profile of activity versus pH was unchanged. Immobilization resulted in an increase in the apparent Km from 1.1 to 11 mM: and an increase in Vmax from 296 to 2430 micromol mg(-1) min(-1). The effect of immobilized beta-glucosidase on the hydrolysis of cellulosic and lignocellulosic substrates was comparable to that of the free enzyme when used at the same level of protein. Operational stability of the immobilized beta-glucosidase was demonstrated during six rounds of lignocellulose hydrolysis.