Production, characterization and properties of polysaccharide depolymerizing enzymes from a strain ofCurvularia inaequalis

Xylanase, β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, endoglucanase and polygalacturonase production fromCurvularia inaequalis was carried out by means of solid-state and submerged fermentation using different carbon sources. β-Glucosidase. β-xylosidase, polygalacturonase and xylanase produced by the microorganisms were characterized. β-Glucosidase presented optimum activity at pH 5.5 whereas xylanase, poly-galacturonase and β-xylosidase activities were optimal at pH 5.0. Maximal activity of β-glucosidase was determined at 60°C, β-xylosidase at 70°C, and polygalacturonase and xylanase at 55°C. These enzymes were stable at acidic to neutral pH and at 40–45 °C. The crude enzyme solution was studied for the hydrolysis of agricultural residues.