Influence of pH on endo- and exo-pectinase production by Aspergillus sp. CH-Y-1043

Abstract

Aspergillus sp. CH-Y-1043 grown on pectins with various degrees of esterification produces endo- and exo-pectinases at pH values as low as 2.5. Maximal production was attained at this pH, although fungal growth only approximated 50% of that obtained at higher pH values. Endopectinase was produced at pH 2.5–3.5 when the fungus was grown on low degree esterified pectin. With higher degree esterified pectin this enzyme was produced at all pH values analyzed. Exopectinase production was less affected by pH values. Still, maximal production was also reached at pH 2.5–3.5. Exopectinase was found to be associated to the cell and could be released after incubation at different pH values, whereas endo pectinase was not detected in the cellular fraction. Results confirmed by SDS–PAGE coupled with in situ activity assays in pectin–agarose gels allowed the identification of a protein band corresponding to endopectinase and a band with pectin esterase activity. Stability of Aspergillus sp. CH-Y-1043 pectinases at various pH values was also evaluated. Key words: Aspergillus sp. CH-Y-1043, extreme acidic pH pectinase production, in situ pectinase detection, cell-associated exopectinase.