Preparation and evaluation of an enzyme which degrades yeast cell walls

Abstract

A method for the production and preparation of an enzyme which degrades yeast cell walls from a species of a Rhizoctonia (tentatively identified as R. solani) was established on a commercial scale. The production of crude enzyme powder, having a lytic activity of 100 units/mg, in batches of 80 kg is feasible. The enzyme preparation was evaluated for industrial use. When yeast cells were treated with this enzyme, the digestibility of feed yeast was improved 1.4-2 fold in vitro; the efficiency of a mechanical disintegrator in extracting cellular substances was increased 35-50%; the release of soluble glucans having widely varying degrees of polymerization was induced; the extraction of cellular protein by alkali was facilitated 2-3 fold; an 80% release of cell-bound invertase was induced and 2-3 times more yeast extract could be prepared. © 1982 Springer-Verlag.