ZenToks Publication

CHAPTER 2

Production of L-Asparaginase enzyme by Trichoderma Harzianum under Solid-State Fermentation

Abstract/Preface

The present research work describes the production of L-Asparaginase using Tectona grandis leaves as substrate by Trichoderma harzianum in a solid-state fermentation. Asparaginase is an enzyme, often referred to as L-asparaginase, used in chemotherapy, particularly for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), by breaking down asparagine, an amino acid crucial for cell growth, thus inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Asparaginase is an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of asparagine, an amino acid vital for protein synthesis and cell growth. In present research, Asparaginase enzyme production was carried out by observing different parameters like time, temperature, moisture content, inoculum level, pH, carbon source and nitrogen source were noted. Different carbon supplements were checked for their influence on enzyme production; they are glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose and fructose. The incubation time of 72 hrs, the temperature of 25 ◦C, pH 8.0, inoculum level of 90% v/w and moisture content 70% v/w were observed for asparaginase enzyme production. Among the carbon source, lactose gave better production when compared to other carbon supplements. Nitrogen source like asparaginase with different concentration were checked and 0.3% w/w gave best enzyme production. Final conclusion is that Tectona grandis leaves could be a promising substrate for industrial application since it produces a significant asparaginase (74.32 IU/ml) activity in solid state fermentation.