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GENPLAT: an Automated Platform for Biomass Enzyme Discovery and Cocktail Optimization
Published on: October 24, 2011
An enzyme cocktail for efficient protoplast formation in Aspergillus niger
Charissa de Bekker1, Ad Wiebenga, Guillermo Aguilar
1Microbiology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Journal of Microbiological Methods
|December 2, 2008
Summary
A new enzyme cocktail was developed to create fungal protoplasts for Aspergillus niger genetic transformation, replacing the discontinued Novozym 234. This new method utilizes enzymes from Trichoderma harzianum, Streptomyces griseus, and Helix pomatia.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biotechnology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Novozym 234 was the standard enzyme for fungal protoplast preparation.
- Discontinuation of Novozym 234 necessitates an alternative for fungal genetic transformation.
- Aspergillus niger is a key fungus in industrial biotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and define a novel enzyme cocktail for Aspergillus niger protoplast generation.
- To provide a viable alternative for fungal protoplast isolation for genetic studies.
Main Methods:
- A new enzyme cocktail was formulated.
- The cocktail includes lysing enzymes from Trichoderma harzianum.
- Chitinase from Streptomyces griseus and beta-glucuronidase from Helix pomatia were incorporated.
Main Results:
- A defined enzyme cocktail was successfully established.
- This cocktail serves as a replacement for Novozym 234 for Aspergillus niger protoplast preparation.
Conclusions:
- The newly defined enzyme cocktail is effective for preparing Aspergillus niger protoplasts.
- This provides a crucial tool for ongoing genetic transformation research and applications in fungi.
