RESUMO

Different methods of purification and drying of sericin were evaluated to obtain a material free of contaminating residues through the development of safer and sustainable environmental technology. Samples purified using different proportions of alcohol solvents and by freezing/thawing were compared, while drying was performed by lyophilisation and atomisation in a spray. No significant statistical differences were observed in the yield of the purification process compared with the evaluated methods. Thus, the freezing/thawing method has economic and environmental advantages over other methods. Drying by spraying and lyophilisation produced particles exhibiting different properties in terms of structure: ß-sheets, random sheets, and ß-turns. In general, these particles are amorphous. The particles obtained by spray drying were more luminous, soluble, and spherical. Thus, purification by freezing/thawing and drying by spray can be considered appropriate methodologies for obtaining contaminant-free sericin through sustainable environmental technology.

RESUMO

The increasing demand pressures the vegetable oil industry to develop novel refining methods. Degumming with type C phospholipases (PLCs) is a green technology and provides extra oil. However, natural PLCs are not active under the harsh conditions used in oil refining plants, requiring additional unit operations. These upfront capital expenditures and the associated operational costs hinder the adoption of this method. Here, we present a process based on ChPLC, a synthetic PLC obtained by consensus sequence design, possessing superior thermal stability and catalytic properties. Using ChPLC, crude soybean oil degumming was completed at 80 °C in 30 min, the temperature and residence time imposed by the design of existing oil refining plants. Remarkably, an extra yield of oil of 2% was obtained using 60% of the dose recommended for PLCs marketed today, saving upfront investments and reducing the operational cost of degumming. A techno-economic analysis indicates that, for medium size plants, ChPLC reduces the overall cost of soybean oil enzymatic degumming by 58%. The process presented here facilitates the implementation of enzymatic technologies to oil producers, regardless of their processing capacity, bringing potential annual benefits in the billion-dollar range for the global economy.

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The implementation of cleaner technologies that minimize environmental pollution caused by conventional industrial processes is an increasing global trend. Hence, traditionally used chemicals have been replaced by novel enzymatic alternatives in a wide variety of industrial-scale processes. Enzymatic oil degumming, the first step of the oil refining process, exploits the conversion catalyzed by phospholipases to remove vegetable crude oils' phospholipids. This enzymatic method reduces the gums' volume and increases the overall oil yield. A thermostable phospholipase would be highly advantageous for industrial oil degumming as oil treatment at higher temperatures would save energy and increase the recovery of oil by facilitating the mixing and gums removal. A thermostable phosphatidylcholine (PC) (and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE))-specific phospholipase C from Thermococcus kodakarensis (TkPLC) was studied and completely removed PC and PE from crude soybean oil at 80 °C. Due to these characteristics, TkPLC is an interesting promising candidate for industrial-scale enzymatic oil degumming at high temperatures. KEY POINTS: • A thermostable phospholipase C from T. kodakarensis (TkPLC) has been identified. • TkPLC was recombinantly produced in Pichia pastoris and successfully purified. • TkPLC completely hydrolyzed PC and PE in soybean oil degumming assays at 80 °C.

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Rice bran oil is a highly nutritious vegetable oil, as it is rich in tocols and γ-oryzanol. Degumming is the first step in the vegetable oil refining process, and its main objective is the removal of phospholipids or gums. In the present study, enzymatic degumming trials were performed on crude rice bran oil using the phospholipases PLA1, Purifine® PLC, their mixture (PLA1/PLC), and a cocktail known as Purifine® 3G. Enzymatic degumming applying 50 mg/kg of PLA1 for 120 min resulted in a residual phosphorus content of 10.4 mg/kg and an absolute free fatty acid increase of 0.30%. Enzymatic degumming applying 300 mg/kg of Purifine® PLC for 120 min at 60 °C resulted in a residual phosphorus content of 67 mg/kg and an absolute diacylglycerol increase of 0.41%. The mixture of phospholipases and the cocktail presented approximately 5 mg/kg of residual phosphorus content after the reaction times. For all degumming processes, the preservation of minor components such as tocols and γ-oryzanol were observed. These results indicate that the use of enzyme mixtures or their cocktails to attain low phosphorus content and high diacylglycerol/free fatty acid conversion during enzymatic degumming is a viable alternative.

RESUMO

The growing demand for food and biofuels urges the vegetable oil processing industry to adopt cleaner technologies to mitigate the environmental pollution caused by chemical refining processes. Over the past decade, several enzymatic methods have proven to be efficient at reducing the generated waste, but improving the benefit-cost ratio is still necessary for the widespread adoption of this technology. In this work, we show that lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase from Aeromonas enteropelogenes (LCATAE) provides a higher extra-yield of soybean oil than a type A1 phospholipase (PLA) enzyme currently commercialized for soybean oil deep degumming. Our model indicates that crude soybean oil treated with the new enzyme generates 87% more neutral oil from phospholipids than the widely used PLA, with the corresponding reduction in waste and byproducts generation. The refined oil retains the phytosterols naturally present in crude oil, enriching its nutritional value. The results presented here position LCATAE as a promising candidate to provide the green solutions needed by the industrial oil processing sector. Key points • Selected LCAT gene candidates were expressed in E. coli. • Aeromonas enteropelogenes LCAT hydrolyzes all the phospholipids present in crude soybean oil. • The LCAT enzyme provides a higher yield of neutral oil than commercial PLA enzymes and generates less waste. • The degummed oil retains sterols with high nutritional value.

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Phospholipids play a central role in all living organisms. Phospholipases, the enzymes aimed at modifying phospholipids, are consequently widespread in nature and play diverse roles, from lipid metabolism and cellular signaling in eukaryotes to virulence and nutrient acquisition in microbes. Phospholipases catalyze the hydrolysis of one or more ester or phosphodiester bonds of glycerophospholipids. The use of phospholipases with industrial purposes has constantly increased over the last 30 years. This demand is rapidly growing given the ongoing improvements in protein engineering and the reduction of enzymes manufacturing costs, making them suitable for industrial use. Here, a general overview of phopholipases A, B, C, and D and their industrial application is presented along with potential new uses for these enzymes. We draw attention to commercial phospholipases used to improve the emulsifying properties of products in the baking, egg, and dairy industries. On the other hand, the improvement of oil degumming by phospholipases is thoroughly analyzed. Moreover, recent developments in enzymatic biodiesel production and the use of phospholipases for the synthesis of phospholipids with pharmaceutical or nutritional value are reviewed.

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Biological degumming is an eco-friendly, efficient, high-quality and low-cost method that has become the leading bast fiber degumming technology. However, bacterial strains with short degumming cycles, high gum removal rates and small fiber damage are few. To screen high quality microbial resources with bast-fiber biological degumming function, soil samples were collected from a continuously cultivated banana plantation and then used to be enriched by ramie and kenaf materials in turn. A selective pectin-degrading medium was used to screen for excellent bacteria. A dominant bacterial strain was identified by phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, and its biological degumming effects on ramie and kenaf were verified by a comprehensive evaluation system. Results showed that seven bacterial strains secreting pectinase were obtained and the largest hydrolysis circle with a diameter ratio H/C of 2.4 was produced by the bacterial strain hn1-1, which was preliminarily identified as the Bacillus cereus by colony morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence (GenBank accession number: KX013542) cluster analysis. The fiber production of ramie and kenaf degummed by B. cereus hn1-1 for 10 h were 72 % and 76 %, the residual gum rates were 4 % and 5 %, respectively. These values satisfied the textile industry requirement of < 6 % residual gum rate. Therefore, an effective biological degumming bacterium, B. cereus, was identified using a pectin-hydrolysis selective medium through a simple, economical, and time-saving method. Furthermore, the biological degumming technology by B. cereus for ramie and kenaf had a short cycle, ideal removal gum rate, and high-quality and productive fiber output.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Biological degumming is an eco-friendly, efficient, high-quality and low-cost method that has become the leading bast fiber degumming technology. However, bacterial strains with short degumming cycles, high gum removal rates and small fiber damage are few. To screen high quality microbial resources with bast-fiber biological degumming function, soil samples were collected from a continuously cultivated banana plantation and then used to be enriched by ramie and kenaf materials in turn. A selective pectin-degrading medium was used to screen for excellent bacteria. A dominant bacterial strain was identified by phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, and its biological degumming effects on ramie and kenaf were verified by a comprehensive evaluation system. Results showed that seven bacterial strains secreting pectinase were obtained and the largest hydrolysis circle with a diameter ratio H/C of 2.4 was produced by the bacterial strain hn1-1, which was preliminarily identified as the Bacillus cereus by colony morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence (GenBank accession number: KX013542) cluster analysis. The fiber production of ramie and kenaf degummed by B. cereus hn1-1 for 10 h were 72 % and 76 %, the residual gum rates were 4 % and 5 %, respectively. These values satisfied the textile industry requirement of < 6 % residual gum rate. Therefore, an effective biological degumming bacterium, B. cereus, was identified using a pectin-hydrolysis selective medium through a simple, economical, and time-saving method. Furthermore, the biological degumming technology by B. cereus for ramie and kenaf had a short cycle, ideal removal gum rate, and high-quality and productive fiber output.

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Resumen Introducción: Colombia produce actualmente seda natural. Durante la transformación de esta a hilos, se retira y descarta la sericina, una proteína que recubre las fibras y que presenta diferentes propiedades que pueden ser aprovechadas industrialmente. Objetivo: Caracterizar la sericina obtenida a partir de hilos de seda colombiana y secada por aspersión. Materiales y métodos: La sericina fue extraída usando agua caliente en autoclave y posteriormente secada por aspersión. La muestra en polvo obtenida se caracterizó mediante pruebas morfológicas (SEM), determinación del punto isoeléctrico, contenido de proteína, actividad antimicrobiana, solubilidad, actividad acuosa (aw) y color. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos por SEM mostraron que se logró remover la mayor parte de sericina presente en los hilos, y que cuando esta se seca adquiere una forma esférica, con superficie rugosa, cóncava y colapsada. Se encontró que la muestra tiene un contenido de proteína y un punto isoeléctrico de 99,50% y 4,07 respectivamente, y no presenta propiedades antimicrobianas frente a los microorganismos estudiados. La solubilidad aumenta con la temperatura, alcanzando un 44,11% ± 5,75 a 90 °C. El aw fue de 0,287 y su color muestra una tendencia al blanco (coordenadas CIELAB: L: 89,55 ± 0,20, a*: +0,44 ± 0,04 y b*: +5,16 ± 0,30). Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que es posible extraer sericina desde hilos de seda usando autoclave, con altos porcentajes de rendimiento. Se observa que la muestra es susceptible de ser secada por aspersión, mostrando características que pueden ser estudiadas con mayor profundidad para evaluar la viabilidad de utilizarla en el desarrollo de diferentes productos.

Abstract Introduction: During Colombian silk transformation to obtain threads, a protein called sericin is removed and discarded. Nevertheless, due to its properties, it should be industrially recovered and used. Objective: Characterize the sericin obtained, through spray drying, from Colombian silk threads. Materials and methods: The sericin was extracted using hot water in autoclave and later spray-dried. Obtained solution was dehydrated in dry spray equipment. The obtained powdered sample was characterized by morphological tests (SEM), isoelectric point and protein content, antimicrobial activity, solubility, aqueous activity (aw) and color. Results: The results obtained by SEM showed that the degumming process extracted the most of sericin from the threads. In addition, it was seen that dehydrated samples have a spherical shape, with a rough, concave and collapsed surface. The protein content and the isoelectric point of sericin were 99.5 % and 4.07, respectively. No antimicrobial properties were observed against the microorganisms studied. The solubility of the protein increased with temperature (44.11 % ± 5.75 at 90 °C), its aw was 0.287, and its color showed a white trend whose CIELAB coordinates are L: 89.55 ± 0.20, a*: +0.44 ± 0.04 and b*: +5.16 ± 0.30. Conclusions: The results show that it is possible to extract sericin from silk threads using autoclave, with high percentages of yield. Additionally, it was observed that the sample is susceptible to be dehydrated by spray drying, showing characteristics that can be studied in greater depth to evaluate the viability of using this protein in the development of different products.

Resumo Introdução: Colômbia produz atualmente seda natural. Durante a transformação desta aos fios, retira-se e descarta-se a sericina, uma proteína que recobre as fibras e que apresenta diferentes propriedades que podem ser aproveitadas industrialmente. Objetivo: Caracterizar a sericina obtida a partir de fios de seda colombianos e secagem por aspersão. Materiais e métodos: A sericina foi extraída usando água quente no autoclave e posteriormente desidratada com secagem por aspersão. A amostra em pó obtida caracterizou-se mediante provas morfológicas (SEM), determinação do ponto isoelétrico, contido de proteína, atividade antimicrobiana, solubilidade, atividade aquosa (aw) e cor. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos pelo SEM amostram que conseguiu-se remover a maior parte da sericina presente nos fios, e quando esta se seca adquire uma forma esférica, com superfície rugosa, côncava e colapsada. Encontrou-se que a amostra tem um contido de proteína e um ponto isoeléctrico de 99,50% e 4,07 respetivamente, e não apresenta propriedades antimicrobianas frente aos microrganismos estudados. A solubilidade aumenta com a temperatura, atingindo um 44,11% ± 5,75 a 90 °C. O aw foi de 0,287 e sua cor mostra uma tendência ao branco (coordenadas CIELAB: L: 89,55 ± 0,20, a*: +0,44 ± 0,04 y b*: +5,16 ± 0,30). Conclusões: Os resultados mostram que é possível extrair sericina desde fios de seda usando autoclave, com altos percentagens de rendimento. Observa-se que a amostra é suscetível de ser desidratada com secagem por aspersão, mostrando características que podem ser estudadas com maior profundidade para avaliar a viabilidade de utilizarla no desenvolvimento de diferentes produtos.

RESUMO

Enzymatic degumming using phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes may be used in environmentally friendly processes with improved oil recovery yields. In this work, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) candidates obtained from an in silico analysis were evaluated for oil degumming. A PIPLC from Lysinibacillus sphaericus was shown to efficiently remove phosphatidylinositol from crude oil, and when combined with a second phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase C, the three major phospholipids were completely hydrolyzed, providing an extra yield of oil greater than 2.1%, compared to standard methods. A remarkably efficient fed-batch Escherichia coli fermentation process producing ∼14 g/L of the recombinant PIPLC enzyme was developed, which may facilitate the adoption of this cost-effective oil-refining process.

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RESUMO

Enzymatic oil degumming (removal of phospholipids) using phospholipase C (PLC) is a well-established and environmentally friendly process for vegetable oil refining. In this work, we report the production of recombinant Bacillus cereus PLC in Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13869 in a high cell density fermentation process and its performance in soybean oil degumming. A final concentration of 5.5g/L of the recombinant enzyme was achieved when the respective gene was expressed from the tac promoter in a semi-defined medium. After treatment with trypsin to cleave the propeptide, the mature enzyme completely hydrolyzed phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, which represent 70% of the phospholipids present in soybean oil. The results presented here show the feasibility of using B. cereus PLC for oil degumming and provide a manufacturing process for the cost effective production of this enzyme.

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The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of whole grain and soybean byproducts, as the performance of broilers in the period 1-21 days of age. 360 chicks were selected in a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments, five replicates of 18 birds per pen. The treatments were a diet control and pre-starter diets with added degummed soybean oil, extruded whole soybean and semi - extruded whole soybean, to meet the nutritional requirements of the birds in each stage of the production cycle ( 1-7 days age) and initial ( 8 to 21 days of age). From 1 to 7 days, the treatments did not influence the variables, feed intake and stock breeding viability, but the total period of 1 to 21 days of age, weight gain and productive efficiency were affected. The use of crude soybean oil and extruded whole soybean in diets for broilers in the period 1-21 days of age, able to cyclic heat stress had no influence on performance, however, the semi - extruded whole soybean is not processed properly, adversely affects weight gain and productive efficiency of birds.(AU)

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, avaliar a utilização do grão integral e coprodutos da soja, quanto o desempenho de frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. Foram selecionados 360 pintainhos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, consistindo de quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e 18 aves por boxe. Os tratamentos utilizados foram uma dieta controle e dietas com adição de óleo de soja degomado, soja integral extrusada e soja semi-integral extrusada, visando atender as exigências nutricionais das aves em cada fase do ciclo produtivo, pré-inicial (1 a 7 dias de idade) e inicial (8 a 21 dias de idade). Na fase de 1 a 7 dias, os tratamentos não interferiram significativamente nas variáveis, consumo de ração e viabilidade criatória, porém no período total de 1 a 21 dias de idade, o ganho de peso e o índice de eficiência produtiva foram afetados. A utilização do óleo de soja degomado e da soja integral extrusada em dietas para frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, em condições de estresse por calor cíclico, não influenciam no desempenho, contudo, a soja semi-integral extrusada se não processada adequadamente, afeta negativamente o ganho de peso e o índice de eficiência produtiva das aves.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of whole grain and soybean byproducts, as the performance of broilers in the period 1-21 days of age. 360 chicks were selected in a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments, five replicates of 18 birds per pen. The treatments were a diet control and pre-starter diets with added degummed soybean oil, extruded whole soybean and semi - extruded whole soybean, to meet the nutritional requirements of the birds in each stage of the production cycle ( 1-7 days age) and initial ( 8 to 21 days of age). From 1 to 7 days, the treatments did not influence the variables, feed intake and stock breeding viability, but the total period of 1 to 21 days of age, weight gain and productive efficiency were affected. The use of crude soybean oil and extruded whole soybean in diets for broilers in the period 1-21 days of age, able to cyclic heat stress had no influence on performance, however, the semi - extruded whole soybean is not processed properly, adversely affects weight gain and productive efficiency of birds.

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, avaliar a utilização do grão integral e coprodutos da soja, quanto o desempenho de frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. Foram selecionados 360 pintainhos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, consistindo de quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e 18 aves por boxe. Os tratamentos utilizados foram uma dieta controle e dietas com adição de óleo de soja degomado, soja integral extrusada e soja semi-integral extrusada, visando atender as exigências nutricionais das aves em cada fase do ciclo produtivo, pré-inicial (1 a 7 dias de idade) e inicial (8 a 21 dias de idade). Na fase de 1 a 7 dias, os tratamentos não interferiram significativamente nas variáveis, consumo de ração e viabilidade criatória, porém no período total de 1 a 21 dias de idade, o ganho de peso e o índice de eficiência produtiva foram afetados. A utilização do óleo de soja degomado e da soja integral extrusada em dietas para frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, em condições de estresse por calor cíclico, não influenciam no desempenho, contudo, a soja semi-integral extrusada se não processada adequadamente, afeta negativamente o ganho de peso e o índice de eficiência produtiva das aves.

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RESUMO

Various process parameters for the production of polygalacturonase by Streptomyces lydicus under solid-state fermentation were optimized. The optimum particle size of wheat bran for polygalacturonase production was in the range of 500-1000 µm. Initial moisture content of 70 percent was found to be the optimum for enzyme production. The most suitable inoculum size was 1.25 x 10(5) CFU/mL and the optimum incubation temperature was 30ºC. Addition of carbon sources resulted in 37 percent increase in enzyme yield (425 U/g), whereas no significant enhancement was obtained on nitrogen supplementation. Maximum enzyme yield was recorded at 72 h. When compared to the initial production medium (108.5 U/g), the enzyme yield was 3.9 fold after optimization. Solid-state fermentation was effectively employed to develop a novel process for the simultaneous extraction and degumming of banana fibers. Streptomyces lydicus was allowed to grow on wheat bran medium in which banana leaf sheath pieces were incorporated and the fiber bundles were separated after a two-step fermentative process.

Vários parâmetros de processo de produção de poligalacturonase por Streptomyces lydicus por fermentação em estado sólido foram otimizados. O tamanho ótimo de partícula de farelo de trigo para a produção de poligalacturonase esteve na faixa de 500 a 1000 mm. O teor inicial de umidade de 70 por cento foi o melhor para a produção da enzima. O inóculo inicial mais adequado foi de 1,25 x 10(5) UFC/mL e a temperatura ótima de incubação foi 30ºC. A adição de fontes de carbono resultou em aumento de 37 por cento no rendimento da enzima (425U/g), enquanto que a suplementação com nitrogênio não melhorou o rendimento. O rendimento máximo da enzima foi obtido em 72h. A otimização resultou em um aumento de 3,9 vezes na quantidade de enzima produzida inicialmente (108,5U/g). A fermentação em estado-sólido foi eficiente para o desenvolvimento de um novo processo de extração e simultânea degomagem. Streptomyces lydicus foi cultivado em meio de farelo de trigo acrescentado de fragmentos de folhas de banana, sendo os feixes de fibras separados após um processo de fermentação em dois passos.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Various process parameters for the production of polygalacturonase by Streptomyces lydicus under solid-state fermentation were optimized. The optimum particle size of wheat bran for polygalacturonase production was in the range of 500-1000 µm. Initial moisture content of 70% was found to be the optimum for enzyme production. The most suitable inoculum size was 1.25 × 10(5) CFU/mL and the optimum incubation temperature was 30°C. Addition of carbon sources resulted in 37% increase in enzyme yield (425 U/g), whereas no significant enhancement was obtained on nitrogen supplementation. Maximum enzyme yield was recorded at 72 h. When compared to the initial production medium (108.5 U/g), the enzyme yield was 3.9 fold after optimization. Solid-state fermentation was effectively employed to develop a novel process for the simultaneous extraction and degumming of banana fibers. Streptomyces lydicus was allowed to grow on wheat bran medium in which banana leaf sheath pieces were incorporated and the fiber bundles were separated after a two-step fermentative process.

RESUMO

Various process parameters for the production of polygalacturonase by Streptomyces lydicus under solid-state fermentation were optimized. The optimum particle size of wheat bran for polygalacturonase production was in the range of 500-1000 µm. Initial moisture content of 70% was found to be the optimum for enzyme production. The most suitable inoculum size was 1.25 x 10(5) CFU/mL and the optimum incubation temperature was 30ºC. Addition of carbon sources resulted in 37% increase in enzyme yield (425 U/g), whereas no significant enhancement was obtained on nitrogen supplementation. Maximum enzyme yield was recorded at 72 h. When compared to the initial production medium (108.5 U/g), the enzyme yield was 3.9 fold after optimization. Solid-state fermentation was effectively employed to develop a novel process for the simultaneous extraction and degumming of banana fibers. Streptomyces lydicus was allowed to grow on wheat bran medium in which banana leaf sheath pieces were incorporated and the fiber bundles were separated after a two-step fermentative process.

Vários parâmetros de processo de produção de poligalacturonase por Streptomyces lydicus por fermentação em estado sólido foram otimizados. O tamanho ótimo de partícula de farelo de trigo para a produção de poligalacturonase esteve na faixa de 500 a 1000 mm. O teor inicial de umidade de 70% foi o melhor para a produção da enzima. O inóculo inicial mais adequado foi de 1,25 x 10(5) UFC/mL e a temperatura ótima de incubação foi 30ºC. A adição de fontes de carbono resultou em aumento de 37% no rendimento da enzima (425U/g), enquanto que a suplementação com nitrogênio não melhorou o rendimento. O rendimento máximo da enzima foi obtido em 72h. A otimização resultou em um aumento de 3,9 vezes na quantidade de enzima produzida inicialmente (108,5U/g). A fermentação em estado-sólido foi eficiente para o desenvolvimento de um novo processo de extração e simultânea degomagem. Streptomyces lydicus foi cultivado em meio de farelo de trigo acrescentado de fragmentos de folhas de banana, sendo os feixes de fibras separados após um processo de fermentação em dois passos.

RESUMO

Aiming at contributing to technological improvements in plant fiber processing methods, this paper reports research work on the obtainment of more efficient pectinase-producing fungi strains. More specifically, this work reports the analysis of 18 strains of filamentous fungi, with the purpose of obtaining enzymes for textile fibers degumming. The strains were evaluated for production of pectinolytic enzymes under several growth conditions (culture medium and growth temperature). Production of pectinases was measured by an enzymatic index (EI) in solid pectin medium. Among the tested strains, Penicillium chrysogenum IFO 4626 (Q 176) showed the best performance. Genetic improvement of this strain was carried out to increase its pectinase production, while keeping cellulase activity down to a negligible level, since cellulases are known to decrease the resistance of the fiber. Variability was induced through several cycles of mutation and selection by exposing conidea to ultra-violet light (UV). We selected 39 out of 390 isolated colonies. Resulting mutants produced nine times more pectin lyase (PL) than the original strain in terms of PL specific activity, and five times more in terms of PL activity (i.e. mmoles liberated per minute of reaction per mL of medium). Periodically, mutant performance was evaluated in solid pectin medium. Genetic stability was maintained for four years after isolation.

Com a intenção de melhorar tecnologicamente os métodos de processamento de fibras vegetais, o presente trabalho comunica pesquisas feitas para obter linhagens mais eficientes de fungos produtores de pectinases. Mais especificamente com o objetivo de obter enzimas para degomagem de fibras têxteis caracterizou-se 18 linhagens de fungos filamentosos quanto a algumas condições de cultivo (meio de cultura e temperatura de crescimento) e quanto ao índice enzimático (IE) em meio de pectina sólido. Constatou-se superioridade da linhagem IFO 4626 (Q 176) de Penicillium chrysogenum e conduziu-se melhoramento genético da mesma com o objetivo de elevar sua produção de pectinases, mantendo em níveis insignificantes a atividade de celulases. Induziu-se mutações por meio de luz ultra-violeta e selecionou-se as 39 melhores linhagens entre 390 isolados. Obteve-se mutantes com produção de pectina liase aproximadamente nove vezes superior à da linhagem original no que se refere à atividade específica de PL e cinco vezes superior em termos de atividade de PL (liberação de µMoles por minuto de reação e mL de meio). Periodicamente, o desempenho dos mutantes foi avaliado em meio de pectina sólido. A estabilidade genética manteve-se por 4 anos após o isolamento dos mesmos.