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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
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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

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