Optimization of physiological conditions for L-asparaginase production by endophytic fungi (Fusarium solani) isolated from Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. F and Thomson

Asparaginase converts L-asparagine to L-aspartic acid and has received considerable attention in the recent years for its anti-carcinogenic potential. In the present investigation, the endophytic fungi isolated from T. cordifolia were screened for the production of extracellular L-asparaginase during their growth on Modified Czapekdox medium (MCD). The physical and nutritional conditions were optimized for maximum production of L-asparaginase by F. solani under submerged fermentation conditions (SmF). The fungi exhibited significant variations in the production of L-asparaginase under the influence of incubation period, temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources. It was observed that maximum enzyme activity was recorded on the 6th day of incubation period at pH 7.0 with an incubation temperature of 30°C at 120 rpm. Sucrose (0.2%) was the best carbon source. Different nitrogen sources at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% were assessed. Among them, ammonium nitrate (0.4%) and sodium nitrate (0.4%) showed maximum production of L- asparaginase