INFLUENCE OF SURFACTANTS ON AN EXTRACELLULAR LIPASE FROM PYTHIUM-ULTIMUM

The activity of an extracellular lipase from the fungus Pythium ultimu m was studied as a function of emulsion properties, and the amount and type of surfactants used in preparing the emulsions. The highest emul sified globule surface area as a function of surfactant concentration and emulsion stability were in the order taurocholic acid > Triton X-1 00 > 3 [(3 holamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). Lipase activity was dependent on both the type and the concentration of surfactant, with taurocholic acid and CHAPS giving tenfold stimulat ion over the control at 0.1 and 0.8 mM, respectively. The evidence sug gests that the influence of surfactant is related more to interaction with the enzyme at the oil-water interface than to providing greater i nterfacial surface area.