Production, optimization and characterization of <img src='/image/spc_char/beta.gif' border=0>-fructofuranosidase by <i style="">Chrysonilia sitophila </i>PSSF84—A novel source

Abstract

The present work is aimed to establish optimal conditions for the maximum production of <img src='/image/spc_char/beta.gif' border=0>-fructofuranosidase, which has the ability to synthesise fructooligosacharides, important dietary constituents for human consumption, using agro-based residues, and to identify its hydrolysis products. The maximum <img src='/image/spc_char/beta.gif' border=0>-fructofuranosidase activity (34.43±0.25 U/mL) by <i style="">C. sitophila</i> PSSF84 was observed at 120 h of cultivation at <i style="">p</i>H 5.0 and 40°C in a basal medium containing banana leaf (2%) supplemented with 0.5% peptone as the carbon and energy source. Characterization studies showed that the optimal <i>p</i>H and temperature of <img src='/image/spc_char/beta.gif' border=0>-fructofuranosidase from crude extract was 5.0 and 50°C, respectively. The <i style="">p</i>H and thermo stability of enzyme was good in the absence of any stabilizers (50% of residual activity was maintained up to 48 h) between <i style="">p</i>H 4.5 to 5.5 and temp 40 to 50°C. Metal ions (K, Ba, Mg, Ca, & Cu) and urea enhanced the enzyme activity to 1.5-fold. For food industry, <i style="">C. sitophila</i> PSSF84 would be a promising strain as it can utilize agro-waste in the production of desired biocatalyst for the synthesis of fructooligosacharides.