AMYLOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF KLUYVER-POSITIVE DEBARYOMYCES OCCIDENTALIS CELLS IMMOBILIZED IN FOAMED ALGINATE GEL

Abstract

This study investigates the amylolytic activity of Kluyver-positive yeast strain Debaryomyces occidentalis immobilized in foamed alginate gels. Encapsulation was performed through the traditional process of droplet formation from a foamed alginate solution. The beads were coated with a layer of 3% alginate. Amylolytic enzyme activities were determined in the presence of different carbon sources – glucose, maltose, starch or dextrin – in both complex and minimal culture media. The yeast was capable of producing inducible alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3). The highest level of cell proliferation was observed in the complex medium with glucose. Immobilized cells showed the highest amylolytic activities in culture media with maltose. Both alpha-amylase and glucoamylase activities were higher in minimal media than in complex media.