Production of inulinase by Pichia caribbica using artichoke extract and pure chicory Inulin

Inulinases constitute an important class of enzymes for producing fructose and fructooligosaccharides, which are extensively used in pharmaceutical and food industry. In this study, two carbon sources were evaluated for their production of inulinase by yeast, Pichia caribbica (KC977491), i.e., pure chicory inulin and artichoke extract. The highest inulinase activity (70 IU/ml) and the good growth cell (DO 38.5 at 600nm) were observed in artichoke extract as a sole carbon and nitrogen source at 37°C within 48 h. Furthermore, the optimal conditions such as pH and temperature, to obtain the maximum stability and activity of the enzyme were identified. The enzyme activity was found to be the highest at pH 3,4 and at 65°C. Results suggested that the artichoke extract induced exoinulinase synthesis in P. caribbica (KC977491) and can be utilized as a potential substrate for inulinase production. Thus, P. caribbica (KC977491) may play an important role in biotechnological domain.