Production and optimization of L-asparaginase by an actinobacterium isolated from Nizampatnam mangrove ecosystem

The aim of the present study was to isolate and screen actinomycetes from the mangrove sediments of Nizampatnam that are potent to produce L-asparaginase, an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of asparagine. A total of 31 actinomycetes strains were isolated, of which 6 strains were positive for L-asparaginase. Several physico-chemical parameters were optimized for maximizing L-asparaginase production by the potent strain identified as Pseudonocardia endophytica VUK-10. Production of L-asparaginase by the strain was high in modified Asparagine glucose salts broth (FM-4)(3.96 IU/ml) as compared to other tested media. Maltose(6.99 IU ml(-1)) and L-asparagine (7.42 IU ml(-1)) were found to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for optimum enzyme production. Maximum production of L-asparaginase was found in the culture medium with pH 8 and temperature 30 degrees C incubated for four days. This is the first report on the production of L-asparaginase by Pseudonocardia endophytica VUK-10 from Nizampatnam mangrove sediments.