Purification and characterization of arginase from a new Aspergillus niger AUMC16187 isolate from sandy soil

Arginase is a therapeutic enzyme with promising anticancer applications, driving the search for novel microbial producers for this enzyme with superior properties. Here, we report a new fungal strain, identified morphologically and genetically as Aspergillus niger AUMC16187 (GenBank: OR447698), isolated from soil as a potent arginase producer. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity via Sephadex G-50 gel filtration and characterized as a dimeric, thermostable metalloenzyme, most active at 40 °C and stable over a broad temperature range. Crucially, the purified arginase exhibited significant and selective cytotoxicity against human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells, with lesser effects on normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Its therapeutic effect was confirmed by flow cytometry. The unique combination of biochemical robustness and selective anticancer activity in this novel A. niger arginase underscores its high potential as a promising biocatalyst for targeted cancer therapy and other biomedical applications.