Enhancement of L-asparaginase Production by Candida utilis in a 13 L Fermenter and its Purification

L- asparaginase enzyme is a renown enzyme because of its chemotherapeutic properties. This enzyme may also be employed in food processing technology. The present study aimed, optimizing the agitation and aeration rate in L-asparaginase production, using C. utilis, ATCC 9950 in batch fermentation system. Beet molasses used as the carbohydrate source for enzyme production. A maximum asparaginase activity of 245.6 U/ml obtained after 20h of fermentation under optimal condition of 1.25 vvm aeration rate and 300 rpm agitation speed. Purification of the enzyme was also done by Acetone Precipitation and column chromatograph. Purified L-asparaginase revealed molecular weight 40 kDa and 82.7 % yield with 10.02 fold increase in specific activity.

Keywords:

Asparaginase , C. utilis , Agitation Speed , Aeration Rate , Purification