PROSPECTION OF FILAMENTOUS FUNGI AND THE PRODUCTION OF AMYLASE BY ASPERGILLUS sp. M1.7.2

Abstract

Amylases are used in numerous industrial applications for converting starch into products of greater value.  This work aimed to prospect filamentous fungi, analyze the morphological and physiological characteristics of the isolates; as well as to select an amylase producing fungus and to optimize the parameters for the cultivation of the microorganism and biochemically characterize the amylase. Among 21 filamentous fungi isolated in Janaúba, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the best amylase producer was selected for standardization of culture parameters and subsequent enzymatic characterization. Maximum activity was obtained in CP medium after six days of cultivation at 30 °C. Amylases produced by this fungus are stable to variations in pH and temperature, exhibited optimum activities at 65 ^oC and pH 6.0, and were significantly activated in the presence of 5 and 10 mm KH₂PO₄.