INVESTIGATION OF CHITOSANASE COLLECTION AND SEMI-PURIFICATION PROCESS FROM Aspergillus toxicarius

Abstract

The study aimed to obtain and semi-purify chitosanase from Aspergillus toxicarius. Chitosanase was extracted by acetate buffer with pH 4.5; 5.0; 5.5 and phosphate buffer with pH 6.5; 7.0; 7.5. The crude enzyme solution was precipitated with acetone and ethanol at ratio of 1:2; 1:3; 1:4 (v/v), respectively and ammonium sulfate (30-80%). The activity of crude and concentrated enzymes were investigated during storage time of 6-10 days at 2-4° C. The spray drying process was studied with maltodextrin concentration of 15%; 20%; 25% (w/v). The results showed that enzymatic activity was highest in extraction with acetate buffer pH 5.5. The most effective semi-purification condition was enzyme:acetone ratio of 1:3 (v/v). The enzymatic activity was stable during storage time of 10 days. Enzyme powder got maximum activity when maltodextrin was added at a concentration of 25% (w/v).

Keywords: Aspergillus toxicarius, acetone, chitosanase, ethanol, semi-purification.