PRODUCTION OF AMINOPEPTIDASE FROM SKIM MILK WHEY PERMEATE MEDIUM BY LACTOBACILLUS-CASEI SSP CASEI

Extracellular and intracellular aminopeptidases were produced from Lac tobacillus casei ssp. casei grown in skim milk whey permeate, but thos e grown in MRS medium produced intracellular enzyme only. Extracellula r enzyme was produced by intact cells rather than by cell lysis. The e nzyme was highly unstable during storage at -20 degrees C or -80 degre es C or upon cell breakage. Aminopeptidase production from cells, rega rdless of their growth medium, was predominantly associated with growt h. Cells released aminopeptidase on extraction with Triton X-100, phos phate buffer, or lysozyme in decreasing order of activity.