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Amylase activity in culture filtrate of <i>Aspergillus chevalieri</i>


AA Ajayi
AO Adejuwon
CK Obasi
PO Olutiola
CF Peter-Albert

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the growth and production of amylase by Aspergillus
chevalieri in a defined medium. A. chevalieri was grown in a synthetic medium containing starch as the sole carbon source. Culture filtrate exhibited amylase activity. Optimum enzyme activity was observed on the tenth day of incubation. The presence of NaCl and MgCl2 stimulated amylase activity while EDTA and HgCl2 in the reaction mixture caused a reduction in the activity of the enzyme. The activity of the enzyme was optimum at 35oC and pH 6.5. The amylase of Aspergillus chevalieri was heat labile, losing its activity completely after twenty minutes of heating at 70 oC. The amylase produced by this fungus is of significance in the brewing industry and pharmaceuticals. The observed properties would aid in preserving the enzyme and knowing optimum conditions for activity to assist in maximizing industrial output.

Keywords: Amylase production, Aspergellus chevalieri, enzyme, brewing industry, pharmaceuticals.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1997-342X
print ISSN: 1991-8631