Enhanced production of amidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 1526 by medium optimisation using a statistical...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Enzyme Engineering
• Microbial Fermentation

Background:

• Amidase enzymes are crucial biocatalysts with diverse industrial applications.
• Optimizing microbial enzyme production is essential for cost-effective industrial processes.
• Rhodococcus erythropolis is a known source of valuable microbial enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the production of amidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 1526.
• To identify key media components influencing amidase yield.
• To optimize the concentrations of these components for maximum enzyme production.

Main Methods:

• Screening of seven Rhodococcus species strains to select MTCC 1526.
• Plackett-Burman experimental design to identify significant media components (sorbitol, yeast extract, meat peptone, acetamide).
• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a face-centered design to optimize component concentrations.

Main Results:

• Sorbitol, yeast extract, meat peptone, and acetamide were identified as critical factors.
• Optimal concentrations determined: sorbitol (5 g/L), yeast extract (4 g/L), meat peptone (2.5 g/L), and acetamide (12.25 mM).
• Amidase activity increased from 157.85 to 1,086.57 units/g dry cells, a 6.88-fold enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Statistical experimental design, particularly RSM, is highly effective for optimizing microbial enzyme production.
• The identified optimal medium composition significantly boosts amidase yield from Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 1526.
• This optimized process holds potential for industrial-scale amidase manufacturing.