Production of Chemotherapeutic Enzyme L-asparaginase from a Fungal Source

Background: L-Asparaginase is an antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The present study deals with the production of this chemotherapeutic enzyme drug from Aspergillus flavus NCIM 526. The production of enzymes was carried out using oil-extracted cakes in a shake flask culture. Process parameters like carbon and nitrogen sources were also taken into account.

Methods: A total of six isolates were used to screen out efficient microorganisms for enzyme production. Aspergillus flavus NCIM 526 exhibited 138 IU/ml of enzyme activity in oil extracted mix cake after 96 hours of the incubation period. Molasses and l-asparagine were proved to be the best carbon and nitrogen sources for enzyme production. The enzyme was purified by column chromatography and the finest enzyme exhibited specific activity of 28 IU/mg.

Results and discussion: The fungal enzyme exhibited low Km values as compared with standard E. coli L-asparaginase, proving more substrate affinity of fungal enzyme than bacterial enzymes.

Conclusion: The study explored the Aspergillus flavus NCIM 526 as a potential fungal source for high yield production of antileukemic enzyme drugs.