Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T13:15:25.015Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Production of β-glucan degrading enzymes by Acremonium and Cephalosporium species

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 1997

S. M. PITSON
Affiliation:
Present address: Department of Food Science, Wageningen Agricultural University, Bomenweg 2, 6703 HD Wageningen, The Netherlands. Biotechnology Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550, Australia
R. J. SEVIOUR
Affiliation:
Biotechnology Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550, Australia
B. M. McDOUGALL
Affiliation:
Biotechnology Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550, Australia
Get access

Abstract

Thirty-one isolates of the form genera Acremonium and Cephalosoporium were screened for their ability to excrete enzymes capable of degrading β-glucans. Most produced both (1 → 3)- and (1 → 6)-β-glucanases together, although the yields varied with carbon source used. Surprisingly, higher yields of (1 → 3)-β-glucanases were often seen from isolates grown on pustulan, a (1 → 6)-β-glucan which is not hydrolysed by these enzymes. Lower enzyme yields were generally obtained with glucose than with either laminarin, a (1 → 3)-β-glucan or pustulan as carbon sources, suggesting regulation of synthesis by either catabolite repression and/or induction. However, a few isolates, most notably Cephalosporium sp. OXF C13 and Acremonium strictum appeared to have some constitutive-β-glucanase activity. Most of the isolates screened were only very weakly cellulolytic against carboxymethyl cellulose or filter paper as substrates.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© The British Mycological Society 1997

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)