Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E024
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, E024 (2023)
Optimization of enzymatic activity of Trichophyton ajelloi strains from arable soils
Justyna Bohacz1, Michał Możejko1*
1 Department of Environmental Microbiology; Faculty of Agrobioengineering; University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7 Street, 20-069, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: michal.mozejko@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Feather waste keratin management for practical uses with environmentally friendly biological methods using microfungi is part of a circular economy. Keratinolytic fungi include geophilic dermatophytes and fungi of the Chrysosporium group. Enzymatic biodegradation of feather waste by these fungi leads to the release of organic and mineral products that can be used in crop cultivation. Stimulation of fungi keratinolytic potential is crucial for increasing valuable waste keratin matter recovery, and also for obtaining biopreparations with high fertilizer value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different culture conditions and composition of the culture medium on enzymatic activity of three Trichophyton ajelloi strains (no. III, XII, XIV) and reference strain. Fungal cultures were conducted for 35 days in stationary and agitated conditions, at three temperatures (20°C, 28°C, 37°C), in the presence of different chicken feathers concentration (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%), with an addition of easy available source of C and energy (1% xylose, 1% glucose), at different initial pH of the medium (4.5, 6.5, 8.5). The keratinolytic activity of Trichophyton ajelloi strains, including reference strain were determined periodically by keratinase, caseinolytic protease and disulfide reductase activity measurement. The results showed that the best conditions for keratinase activity were stationary culture at 28°C, addition of 1.0% glucose, 2.0% concentration of feathers and initial pH of the medium 4.5. Protease activity was also highest in the presence of 2.0% feather content but the optimal temperature for activity of this enzyme was 20°C, pH 6.5 and agitated culture. Disulfide reductase generally showed the highest activity under similar conditions as keratinase. Its activity was high in cultures with 1.0% feather concentration without additional C and energy sources. Analysis of variance showed that the protease and keratinase activity in culture of T. ajelloi strains was significantly lower and higher than noted in reference strain culture, respectively. It was also shown that among three Trichophyton ajelloi strains, strain III was significantly higher keratinase and protease activity than strains XII and XIV. Disulfide reductase activity was significantly higher in the culture of strain XII compared to the other two strains and the reference strain. Culture conditions and composition of the culture medium of Trichophyton ajelloi can be a determinant for further research into the effective management of keratin waste by fungi for practical uses.
How to cite
J. Bohacz, M. Możejko, 2023. Optimization of enzymatic activity of Trichophyton ajelloi strains from arable soils. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E024