Production and partial characterization of β-1,3-glucanase obtained from Rhodotorula oryzicola.

The current study aims to assess the kinetics of population growth of Rhodotorula oryzicola and the production of β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) enzyme by this yeast. It also aims to obtain the optimum conditions of β-1,3-glucanase enzymatic activity by varying the pH as well as to study the enzyme thermostability. R. oryzicola population doubled within 12 hr. During this period, 9.26 generations were obtained, with 1 hr and 29 min of interval from one generation to the other, with specific growth rate (µ) of 0.15 (hr). The entire microorganism growth process was monitored during β-1,3-glucanases production, and the maximum value was obtained in the stationary phase in the 48-hr fermentation period. pH and temperature optimum values were 4.7 and 96°C, respectively. The enzyme maintained 88% of its activity when submitted to the temperature of 90°C for an incubation period of 1 hr. The results show that the enzyme can be used in industrial processes that require high temperatures and acidic pH.