Factors Influencing the Production of Lipase by Mycotorula lipolytica

Abstract

Nutrient broth containing 0.05% glucose was found suitable for lipase production by M. lipolytica. Lipase production was increased by adjusting the reaction of the broth to pH 4.5 or 5.5, using a buffer of disodium phosphate plus citric acid or disodium phosphate plus monopotassium phosphate in 0.225 [image] concn. An equal addition of Na acetate plus acetic acid was unsatisfactory. Growth at 30 C was optimum for the production of lipase. Intermittent shaking or aeration of growing cultures decreased lipase production, whereas addition of reducing substances (ascorbic acid, cysteine, thioglycollic acid) had little or no effect. In general, short oval cells and low lipase activity were associated with conditions favorable for rapid growth, whereas long slender cells and high lipase activity were associated with conditions slightly less favorable for growth. Lipase activity was detd. titrimetrically, using butterfat as substrate.