Electronic Journal of Biology

Isolation and Screening of Aspergillusspp.for Pectinolytic Activity

Pectinolytic enzymes are one of the several extracellular enzymes produced by fungi that break down pectin, a polysaccharide substrate that is found in the cell walls of plants. Preparations containing pectin-degrading enzymes have been extensively used in the clarification of fruit juices and wines. Currently, they are widely used in industry for retting of natural fibers and extraction of oils from vegetable and citrus peels. In the present investigation, several Aspergillus spp., isolated from agricultural waste, leaf litter, farmyard manure and cow dung on pectin agar medium viz., Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. Ochraceous, and Aspergillus sp., were tested for pectinolytic activity by plate assay, turbidity assay, turbidometric assay and polygalacturonase assay. Zone of clearance and clearance of turbidity observed in plate assay and turbidity assay respectively showed the production of pectinolytic enzymes by these fungi. The turbidometric assay and polygalactorunic assay clearly indicated the ability of these fungi to produce pectinolytic enzymes, especially the polygalacturonase enzyme.

Author(s): Anisa S.K., Ashwini S., Girish K

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share this