Synthesis and Properties of Extracellular Illulinase of Kluyveromyces marxianus strains NRRL 2415 and ATCC 8601

Production of extracellular inulinase (Fructan-Fructano-hydrolase E.C. 3.2.1.7) during growth of seven yeast strains was studies. Stains of Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL 2415 and ATCC 8601 synthesized extracellular inulinase in sufficient amounts to allow further study of enzyme properties. maximum inulinase production by strain 8601 was achieved when cells reached stationary phase. On the other hand, maximum inulinase production by strain 2415 was noticed when the culture reached late decline phase (97% death). The optimum pH for enzyme activity was 5.0 for both strains. Inulinase from the two sources exhibited different optimum temperatures of activity, 65 and 55 for strains 8601 and 2415, respectively. Enzyme from strain 8601 showed better thermostability and the apparent Km values for both enzymes were similar and found to be 20µ mole of Dahlia insulin (M.W.5000)