Production and properties of asparaginase from a new Erwinia sp

Asparaginase production by a mesophilic strain ofErwinia sp. was examined; the maximum of activity was found at 40°C and pH 8.5. Among the various carbon sources, mannitol was shown to be the best for production of activity. Inorganic nitrogen sources were better than the organic ones. The enzyme activity was not inhibited by 10 mmol/L metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺); the activity was strongly inhibited by addition of EDTA.l-Arginine,dl-alanine,l-asparagine andl-glutamine stimulated thel-asparaginase production by 3.9, 1.7, 4.3 and 4.0 fold, respectively. The combination ofl-arginine,l-asparagine andl-glutamine synergistically stimulated the asparaginase up to 5.8 fold.