Production and characterization of a novel β-glucosidase from Fusarium solani

Abstract β-glucosidase was produced from Fusarium solani using different agricultural wastes under solid state fermentation (SSF). Optimum production of β-glucosidase was achieved with rice husk at pH 5, moisture level 60%, and fermentation period of 72 h. Higher yields of β-glucosidase (3206 U/gds) were obtained from F. solani when the medium was supplemented with lactose. The enzyme was partially purified with ammonium sulfate precipitation yielding a specific activity of 97.5 U/mg. β-glucosidase was subjected to various kinetic and thermodynamic parameters to seek the nature of the enzyme. Optimum pH and temperature were found to be 4.5 and 65°C, respectively. The enzyme possessed K m 1 mM and V max 55.6 µmol min -1 . It was also observed that β-glucosidase was thermally stable up to 65°C. Mg 2+ ions enhanced the enzyme activity. These characteristics suggest that β-glucosidase isolated from F. solani could be used for hydrolysis of carbohydrates and cellulosic materials used in textile, paper, starch processing, animal feeds and fruits industries