A study on pectinases from Aspergillus tamarii: Toward greener approach for cotton bioscouring and phytopigments processing

Abstract

Pectinolytic enzymes, a family of glycosyl hydrolases comprising of endo-rhamnogalacturonase, exo-polygalacturonase, endo-polygalacturonase and endo-xylogalacturonase play a significant role in food processing industries for the increase of shelf life of the food products containing pectin. This study was carried out for the production and activity of each enzyme member of the pectinase classification. Solid state fermentation process was utilized for the production of pectinase from Aspergillus tamarii using various pectin rich agro-industrial wastes like banana peel, sugarcane bagasse, lemon peel, coffee pulp and orange peel which were used for the fungal growth and wheat bran was used as the major nitrogen source. Fermentation parameters mainly pH, temperature, time, substrate concentration and moisture were optimized for maximum pectinase production. Production yield was measured using endo-polygalacturonase, exo–polygalacturonase, pectin lyase and pectin esterase assay. Results revealed that wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse at the ratio of 3:1 demonstrates appreciable Exo-pectinases production in 30 °C for 96 h at 70% moisture among the four enzymes. Characterization studies indicated the maximum activity (101.05 U/ml) and stability of Exo-PG at pH 6.0 and 55 °C. Thin layer Chromatography (TLC) was used for the identification of the hydrolysed products. Application studies were carried out for bioscouring of cotton fibers and extraction of lycopene and anthocyanin. Results suggested that use of pectinases substantially replaces the chemicals usage and will be considered as a suitable bio-agent in the current scenario on green process technology development.