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Glucoamylase production in continuous cultures of Aspergillus niger with special emphasis on growth parameters

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Abstract

Maltose-limited continuous culture of Aspergillus niger was carried out with potassium nitrate to investigate growth and glucoamylase formation characteristics. Glucoamylase production was dependent on the specific growth rate. The maximal amount of glucoamylase (units/l and U/g dry weight) was obtained at μ=0.08h−1, and the maximum specific rate of production (units/g/dry weight per hour) was at μ=0.2h−1. The maintenance coefficients (ms and mATP) were higher than for some other fungi. Maximal growth yields on substrate, oxygen and ATP (Yxsm, YxO2m and Yxam) were very efficient (high) and the value of Yxam, which cannot exceed the theoretical maximal value, is obtained when a P/O ratio of 1:1 is assumed. This indicates that biomass formation is energetically inexpensive and most of the expended energy has to be invested in the process of glucoamylase excretion.

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Metwally, M. Glucoamylase production in continuous cultures of Aspergillus niger with special emphasis on growth parameters. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 14, 113–118 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008840904246

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