Enhanced production of pectinolytic enzymes from immobilized cells of mixed aspergillus species.

ABSTRACT

The cells of isolated mixed culture of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus sydowii were immobilized in calcium alginate beads. Studies were carried out on different parameters like alginate concentration, incubation time and bead inoculum which affects the productivity and stability of the immobilized system. The best enzymatic activities were obtained with 3% alginate concentration, 48h of incubation time and 200 beads/flask of inoculum. Optimization of these factors causes an increase in enzymatic activities and the possibility of semicontinuous cultivation. Immobilized cells could be reused in five successive reaction cycles with a slight decrease in activities.