ABSTRACT
Background: Inulinase is a versatile enzyme from glycoside hydrolase family which targets the beta-2, 1 linkage of fructopolymers. In the present study, the effect of medium composition and culture conditions on inulinase production by Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611 was investigated in shake-flasks. Results: The highest extracellular inulinase (3199 U/ ml) was obtained in the presence of 25 percent (w/v) sucrose, 0.5 percent (w/v) meat extract, 1.5 percent (w/v) NaNO3 and 2.5 mM (v/v) Zn2+, at initial pH of 6.5, temperature 35ºC and 6 percent (v/v) of spores suspension in the agitation speed of 100 rpm. Surfactants showed an inhibitory effect on enzyme production. The optimum temperature for inulinase activity was found to be 50ºC. TLC analysis showed the presence of both exo- and endo-inulinase. Conclusion: Sucrose, Zn2+, and aeration were found to be the most effective elements in inulinase production by A. niger ATCC 20611. TLC analysis also showed that the crude enzyme contained both endo and exo-inulinases. The strain is suggested as a potential candidate for industrial enzymatic production of fructose from inulin.