Stimulation of dextranase production by oxidized dextran

Abstract

Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium lilacinum, and Spicaria violacea produced excellent yields of dextranase if ketodextran replaced dextran as a carbon source. Ketodextrans I and II having degrees of substitution of 2 and 20% respectively were used in this study. P. funiculosum grew equally well on dextran and ketodextran I but less well on ketodextran II. Addition of a readily metabolizable carbohydrate such as glucose, sucrose, or galactose stimulated growth on ketodextran II, resulting in better dextranase production. However, excess glucose reversed this increase in enzyme production. Replacement of an inorganic nitrogen source with an organic one further stimulated dextranase production during growth of P. funiculosum on ketodextran II.