Phytase from Aspergillus niger

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O Volfová1, J Dvoráková, A Hanzlíková

  • 1Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague.

Folia Microbiologica
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Researchers screened 132 microorganisms for phytase production, identifying Aspergillus niger as the most active fungal producer. This enzyme shows optimal activity at low pH and 55°C.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Enzymology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Phytase enzymes are crucial for phosphorus bioavailability in soils and animal feed.
  • Screening microorganisms for novel phytase producers is essential for agricultural and industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize microorganisms with high extracellular phytase production capabilities.
  • To determine the optimal conditions for phytase activity from promising isolates.

Main Methods:

  • 132 microbial isolates from soil and decayed fruits were cultured.
  • Extracellular phytase activity was quantified using enzyme assays.
  • Optimal pH and temperature for enzyme activity were determined.

Main Results:

  • All highly active phytase-producing isolates were fungi, predominantly Aspergillus niger.
  • Aspergillus niger strain 92 exhibited an activity of 132 nkat/mL, and strain 89 showed 53 nkat/mL.
  • Extracellular phytase activity showed optima at pH 1.8 and 5.0, and a temperature optimum at 55°C.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus niger is a significant source of potent extracellular phytase.
  • The identified phytase enzyme possesses characteristics suitable for various industrial applications, particularly under acidic conditions.

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