ISSN:
1432-0614
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Abstract Nine extremely thermophilic archaea and one novel thermophilic bacterium were screened for their ability to produce amylolytic and pullulytic enzymes. Cultivation of these micro-organisms was performed in the absence of elemental sulphur with starch as the major carbon source. Enzymatic activity was mainly detected in two archaea belonging to the order Thermoproteales, Desulfurococcus mucosus and Staphylothermus marinus, in two archaea belonging to the order Thermococcales, Thermococcus celer and T. litoralis and in two novel archaeal strains, TYS and TY previously isolated from the Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California. Both amylolytic and pullulytic activities were also detected in a newly isolated thermophilic bacterium belonging to the order Thermotogales and previously described as Fervidobacterium pennavorans. Best yields for enzyme production were obtained in 1–1 batch cultures with the strains TYS (13 units U/l of amylase, 6 U/l of pullulanase), F. pennavorans (2.5 U/l of amylase, 4.5 U/l of pullulanase) and T. litoralis (3.0 U/l of amylase). Enzymes were in general characterized by temperature optima around 90–100°C, pH optima around 5.5–6.5 and a high degree of thermostability. Due to the remarkable properties of these enzymes, they are of interest for biotechnological applications.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00902723
