[Biosynthesis of chitinase by Achromobacter liquefaciens]

Bacterial cultures under study synthesize exocellular chitinase on a medium containing chitin or demineralized crab shells as a source of carbon and nitrogen. Conditions for biosynthesis of chitinase by the cells of Achromobacter liquefaciens 301a were investigated under periodic and continuous conditions of cultivation. The preparation of chitinase isolated from the cultural broth of A. liquefaciens 301a hydrolysed colloid and native chitin at the optimum pH 6.5 and temperature 40degreesC. The terminal products of the reaction are chitobiose and N-acetylglucosamine.