Production of polygalacturonase by Aspergillus niger BC23 isolated from Irvingia gabonensis (African mango) fruit

Polygalacturonase was produced from Aspergillus niger BC 23 which was isolated from spoiled Irvingia gabonensis fruit. The influence of carbon substrates on enzyme production showed that the medium containing sucrose produced a maximum enzyme yield of 38.5 U/mg protein after 72 h. Enzyme productivity in this medium was much higher than in the medium that contained only citrus pectin as the sole carbon source. Medium containing yeast extract as a nitrogen source caused the production of specific enzyme activity of 31.2 U/mg protein. Results on the effect of metal ions on enzyme activity showed that Ca2+ gave a percent relative activity of 214% in comparison to the native enzyme activity. The enzyme showed maximum activity in slight acid and neutral pH media with optimal activity at pH 4.0. Temperature activity profile of the enzyme showed best activity at a temperature of 35ºC. Dried fruit peels were tested for their abilities to support enzyme production in a media devoid of citrus pectin. The best enzyme productivity of 102.3 U/mg protein was achieved after 72 h in the medium containing orange peel and this level was much higher than that achieved when pure carbon sources or citrus pectin alone were used for enzyme production