Enhanced Polygalacturonase Biosynthesis: tailoring fermentation conditions using Aspergillus niger FS001

Samina Khan; Saima Saleem; Abid Azhar; Aliya Riaz; Shah Ali Ul Qader

Author(s)

Samina Khan Department of Biochemistry, Jinnah University for Women,Karachi-74600,Pakistan

Saima Saleem Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi,Karachi- 75270,Pakistan

Abid Azhar Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi,Karachi- 75270,Pakistan

Aliya Riaz Department of Biochemistry, Jinnah University for Women,Karachi-74600,Pakistan

Shah Ali Ul Qader Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi,Karachi-75270,Pakistan

Abstract

A significant challenge in contemporary biotechnology is the efficient extraction of valuable by-products from agrifood industry waste, necessitating the development of advanced and sustainable biotechnological methods to maximize resource recovery while minimizing environmental impact. Pectinase is crucial in this process because it breaks down complex polysaccharides like pectin, enabling the efficient recovery of important compounds such as polyphenols, dietary fibers, and bioactive substances from fruit and vegetable processing waste. Aspergillus species are prevalent fungi found in high numbers globally, and they are essential in the synthesis of polygalacturonase (PG), which is an enzyme responsible for degrading cell wall. The current study was focused on the exploitation of pectin for the production of polygalacturonase enzymes, through submerged fermentation using indigenous fungal strain Aspergillus niger-FS001. The optimization of PG production was performed by adopting the approach of taking on one variable sequentially. The five varied fermentation media were analyzed for the maximal production of the enzyme. Among all media, newly designed medium-M5 containing 1% (w/v) pectin yielded the highest enzyme activity. Additionally, the impact of varied factors has also been conducted, which includes temperature, duration of incubation, pH and sources of carbon as well as nitrogen. The most favorable enzyme production level was reached after 120 hours at a temperature of 30°C and pH 5.5. Using pectin served as carbon source, whereas yeast extract, peptone and ammonium sulphate worked as nitrogen sources that contributed achieving maximum polygalacturonase production (1461 U/mL). The current study was highly effective in achieving highest economic output of polygalacturonase by Aspergillus niger FS001 using economical and locally sourced substrate. Moreover, a simple, low-cost, industrially significant medium formulation was also developed.

Publication Details

Page(s) 747-755

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, Volume: 22, Issue: 4, Year: 2025

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Keywords

Aspergillus niger, Submerged fermentation, pectin, Polygalacturonase

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