Lipase production by free and immobilized protoplasts of Sporotrichum (Chrysosporium) thermophile Apinis

Summary Production of lipase by free and alginate-entrapped protoplasts was studied in batch culture. Cell-wall-degrading enzymes Novozym 234 and cellulase CP improved lipase secretion of normal mycelium by 25%–100%. The protoplast-regenerated mycelium exhibited several-fold higher lipase activity in batch replacements in TRIS buffer over normal spore-derived mycelium. The specific lipase activity of immobilized protoplasts was about four times higher than normal mycelial beads. Protoplasts beads were stable and retained high enzyme activity even after three buffer replacements lasting 120 h; TRIS buffer was better than acetate or normal glucose medium. A minimum of 8 h regeneration period was necessary for lipase synthesis. Triolein, olive oil, tributyrin and oleic acid butylester were able to induce lipase in immobilized protoplasts. Tween 80 enhanced lipase activity of the immobilized protoplasts. Partially degraded immobilized mycelium was nearly as effective as normal immobilized protoplasts for lipase secretion. Both free and immobilized protoplasts could be reused for up to 200 h with some loss in enzyme activity.