The Production of the Enzyme Dextransucrase using Unaerated Continuous Fermentations

Abstract

AbstractFollowing the successful production of dextransucrase with activities greater than 21.9 U cm%−3, using the fed‐batch fermentation technique, the process was then studied in the continuous mode. The organism Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B512 (F) was cultured in an unaerated nutritious medium, containing sucrose, with similarly composed medium used as the feed. Using this method of operation, it was possible to produce approximately 5 U cm%−3 of dextransucrase continuously.Various factors were found to affect dextransucrase production. The sterilization cycle of the feed medium was found to be very important, with temperatures of 125°C causing medium degradation and, hence, a loss in activity. The sucrose concentration of the feed medium and the degree of mixing of the fermentation were also found to be important parameters in this process.