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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Nanosensors to Detect Protease Activity In Vivo for Noninvasive Diagnostics
Published on: July 16, 2018
[Detection of extracellular protease in Mucor species]
Maria Helena Alves1, Galba M de Campos-Takaki, Kaoru Okada
1Universidade de São Paulo/USP, and NPCIAMB, Recife, and Coordenacão de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Av. da Universidade, 850 Betania, Sobral, CE, CEP 62040-370, Brazil. mahelenalves@bol.com.br
Abstract:
The fungi are characterized by their abilities to produce and secrete enzymes to the external environment. The species of genus Mucor are a group of fungal microbes with important biotechnological potential, which are responsible for production of industrial enzymes. This work evaluated the ability of protease production in twelve species of genus Mucor. The strains were kept for 120 h under the incubation temperature of 28 degrees C on a shaker at 120 rpm. The detection of proteolytic activity was evaluated in all species, the higher activity was detected in Mucor racemosus Fres. f. chibinensis (Neophytova) Schipper.
Insights
This study investigated protease production in twelve Mucor species. Mucor racemosus Fres. f. chibinensis (Neophytova) Schipper exhibited the highest proteolytic activity, highlighting its biotechnological potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Fungi secrete enzymes externally, crucial for industrial applications.
- The genus Mucor comprises fungal microbes with significant biotechnological value, particularly for enzyme production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the protease production capabilities of twelve different species within the Mucor genus.
- To identify Mucor species with superior proteolytic activity for potential industrial enzyme applications.
Main Methods:
- Twelve species of the genus Mucor were cultured for 120 hours at 28°C with agitation at 120 rpm.
- Proteolytic activity was assessed for each species to determine enzyme secretion levels.
Main Results:
- All evaluated Mucor species demonstrated proteolytic activity.
- Mucor racemosus Fres. f. chibinensis (Neophytova) Schipper showed the highest level of detected proteolytic activity among the tested strains.
Conclusions:
- Mucor species are capable of producing extracellular proteases.
- Mucor racemosus Fres. f. chibinensis (Neophytova) Schipper is a promising candidate for industrial protease production due to its high activity.
