Production, characterization, and immobilization of inulinase produced by Pseudozyma sp. (CCMB 306)

The present paper focuses on the production and characterization of inulinase produced by Pseudozyma sp. (CCMB 306) and on the subsequent immobilization of this enzyme on solid supports (eggshell, celite, Sepabeads®, silica). A primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of glucose and yeast extract concentrations (g/L) on the enzyme produced by Pseudozyma sp. according to response surface methodology (RSM). RSM was also used to study the optimum pH and temperature. The results for the optimization of inulinase production showed that the highest enzyme activity was observed for glucose and yeast extract concentrations of 10 and 1 g/L, respectively. The inulinase activity peaked at 50°C and pH 7.0. The results for enzyme immobilization on solid supports showed that celite, in an incubation medium containing acetone, was the best support for inulinases produced by Pseudozyma sp.