The purification of a commercial pectinlyase from Aspergillus niger

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the purification of an enzymic commercial preparation containing pectinlyase by means of a simple, inexpensive and quick method which can be adopted for industrial applications. The following adsorbents were tested: activated carbon, graphite, γ-alumina, titania and bentonite. Given the good results obtained with bentonite, a purification procedure was optimized with this support. The enzymic preparation diluted at a 1 : 2 ratio was twice put into contact with 2% bentonite at pH 4·0 and at a temperature of 25°C for 3 h. After precipitation of pectins at pH 3·2, the enzyme solution was brought to pH 6·0 and then concentrated by means of ultrafiltration through a membrane with a cut-off of 50 000. Almost total recovery of enzymic activity was obtained, with a purification of 4·5 and a reduction in the contents of brown pigments of about 90%. © 1994.