Production and characteristics of the lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica 681

The production of lipase by Yarrowia lipolytica 681 was enhanced significan tly (P < 0.05) by olive or corn oil when used as both carbon and inducer so urces. Urea was the best nitrogen source for lipase production. Low levels of aeration increased lipolytic activity and mycelia formation in the cultu re medium. Concentrations of Tween 80 between 0.5 and 2 g/l increased extra cellular lipase activity without changes in the concentration of biomass. A response surface analysis predicted a temperature of 29.5 degrees C, an in itial pH of 4.7 and an incubation time of 54 h as the optimum conditions fo r lipase production. Lipase production was strongly correlated to biomass d uring 52 h of incubation. The enzyme had a maximum activity at pH 6 and 37 degrees C. The lipase did not lose significant amounts of activity during i ncubation at pH 6 and 5 degrees C for 72 h. The enzyme was highly active to wards synthetic triacylglycerols and olive oil. However, the lipase was str ongly inhibited by oleic acid. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.