Studies of Antarctic yeast for β-glucosidase production

• Published in: World journal of microbiology & biotechnology 2002-08, Vol.18 (6), p.569-573
• Main Authors: PAVLOVA, K, ANGELOVA, G, SAVOVA, I, GRIGOROVA, D, KUPENOV, L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biology of microorganisms of confirmed or potential industrial interest; Biotechnology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Miscellaneous; Mission oriented research
• ISSN: 0959-3993; 1573-0972
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1016337529488

Moss and lichen samples from the region of the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island, Antarctica were examined for the presence of yeasts. Six pure cultures were obtained. They were screened for beta -glucosidase production and two of them were selected. These were identified as Cryptococcus albidus AL sub(2) and C. albidus AL sub(3), according to their morphology, reproductive behaviour, and growth at different temperatures, salt concentrations, nutritional characteristics and various biochemical tests. These strains were examined for biosynthesis of beta -glucosidase on different carbon sources under aerobic conditions. High exocellular and endocellular activities were obtained when they were grown on cellobiose, methyl- beta -D-glucopyranoside and salicin. The time course of growth and beta -glucosidase production of the yeast was examined by cultivation in a medium with cellobiose under aerobic conditions at temperatures 18 and 24 degree C for 96 h. Cryptococcus albidus AL sub(2) and C. albidus AL sub(3) synthesized exocellular enzyme, respectively 58.33 and 55.83 U/ml and endocellular enzyme 137.75 and 205.34 U/ml at 24 degree C for 72 h of the cultivation.