Optimization of culture conditions of a novel glucan producing glucansucrase from Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL B-1146

The effect of nutrients on the production of glucansucrase from Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL B-1146 was studied using one variable at a time approach. The culture conditions for glucansucrase production were also optimized. The maximum enzyme production was obtained at an optimum temperature of 28°C and under static culture condition. The increase in sucrose concentration from 2% (control) to 4% in the culture medium gave an increase of glucansucrase activity by 25%. Yeast extract did not affect the enzyme production. However, other nitrogen sources like beef extract and peptone resulted in 10% and 16% increase in glucansucrase activity, respectively. On increasing the K₂HPO₄ from 2 to 2.5% the enzyme activity in the culture supernatant increased by 25%. There was a significant increase in the glucansucrase activity by addition of Tween 80 as the production was enhanced by 65% by 1% of Tween 80. An increase in MnSO₄ concentration to 0.01% caused 37% increase in the enzyme production. The salts like NaCl, CaCl₂ and FeSO₄ also enhanced the enzyme production significantly and showed increase of 17, 26 and 20%, the enzyme production correspondingly with 0.005% NaCl, 0.002% CaCl₂ and 0.005% FeSO₄.