Aspergillus terreus can produce different holocellulose-degrading enzymes when grown in sugarcane bagasse, with predominant pectinase activity. Thus, pectinase was selected for purification and immobilization studies. Ion exchange and molecular exclusion chromatography studies were performed, after which it was possible to semipurify the enzyme with a yield of 80%. The crude extract pectinase (PECEB) and the partially purified enzyme (PEC2) were immobilized on monoamino-N-aminoethyl (MANAE)-agarose with pectinase activity yields of 66% and 98%, respectively. After immobilization in MANAE-agarose, the pectinase showed higher activity at acidic pH (pH 4.0) when compared to the nonimmobilized enzyme. It was also found that after the immobilization process, there was a threefold improvement in the enzyme's thermostability. Also, it was possible to reuse the immobilized enzyme for up to five cycles of hydrolysis with effective production of reducing sugars (0.196 mg/g of substrate). The industrial application test revealed a significant decrease in the viscosity of guava juice when the immobilized enzyme was used. PECEB, immobilized on MANAE-agarose, was the enzyme sample that generated the highest pulp viscosity reduction (approximately 47%). Although additional studies are needed for practical industrial application, the results obtained herein reveal the potential of application of immobilized pectinase in the industry.
Keywords: Aspergillus terreus; MANAE-agarose; characterization; immobilization; pectinase.
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