PRODUCTION OF ALPHA-GALACTOSIDASE BY MONASCUS GROWN ON SOYBEAN AND SUGARCANE WASTES

Extracts of both sugarcane and soybean wastes supported the growth of Monascus but sugarcane waste was superior for the production of alpha- galactosidase. An aqueous extract prepared from 5% (w/v) soybean waste and 7% (w/v) sugarcane waste gave the best result and was superior to the standard peptone/glucose/yeast extract medium. Liquid-solid mixtu res were slightly less effective. Enzyme production could be enhanced by adding raffinose. Enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-gal actoside was optimal at pH 4.5. Raffinose and stachyose were hydrolyse d to sucrose and galactose.