PRODUCTION OF A NOVEL PYRANOSE 2-OXIDASE BY BASIDIOMYCETE TRAMETES MULTICOLOR

During a screening for the enzyme pyranose 2-oxidase (P2O) which has a great potential as a biocatalyst for carbohydrate transformations, Tr ametes multicolor was identified as a promising, not-yet-described pro ducer of this particular enzyme activity. Furthermore, it was found in this screening that the enzyme frequently occurs in basidiomycetes. I ntracellular P2O was produced in a growth-associated manner by T. mult icolor during growth on various substrates, including mono-, oligo-, a nd polysaccharides. Highest levels of this enzyme activity were formed when lactose or whey were used as substrates. Peptones from casein an d other casein hydrolysates were found to be the most favorable nitrog en sources for the formation of P2O. By applying an appropriate feedin g strategy for the substrate lactose, which ensured an elevated concen tration of the carbon source during the entire cultivation, levels of P2O activity obtained in laboratory fermentations, as well as the prod uctivity of these bioprocess experiments, could be enhanced more than 2.5-fold.