Effect of extrinsic and intrinsic parameters on inulinase production by Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611

Abstract

Background: Inulinase is a versatile enzyme from glycoside hydrolase family which targets the β-2, 1 linkage of fructopolymers. In the present study, the effect of medium composition and culture conditions on inulinase production by Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611 was investigated in shake-flasks. Results: The highest extracellular inulinase (3199 U/ ml) was obtained in the presence of 25% (w/v) sucrose, 0.5% (w/v) meat extract, 1.5% (w/v) NaNO3 and 2.5 mM (v/v) Zn2+, at initial pH of 6.5, temperature 35°C and 6% (v/v) of spores suspension in the agitation speed of 100 rpm. Surfactants showed an inhibitory effect on enzyme production. The optimum temperature for inulinase activity was found to be 50°C. TLC analysis showed the presence of both exo- and endo-inulinase. Conclusion: Sucrose, Zn2+, and aeration were found to be the most effective elements in inulinase production by A. niger ATCC 20611. TLC analysis also showed that the crude enzyme contained both endo and exoinulinases. The strain is suggested as a potential candidate for industrial enzymatic production of fructose from inulin. © 2012 by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.