Batch, Fed Batch Production and Characterization of Glutaminase Free L-Asparaginase II of <i>Pectobacterium carotovorum</i> MTCC 1428 in <i>Escherichia coli</i>

Abstract

The present study describes the production optimization of recombinant L-asparaginase II of Pectobacterium carotovorum MTCC 1428 in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) at batch and fed batch bioreactor level. Production of recombinant L-asparaginase II in batch and fed batch mode was found to be 1.34 and 5.38 folds higher, respectively as compared to shake flask culture. SDS-PAGE and native PAGE of the purified enzyme revealed that molecular mass of the subunits and native enzyme are ~37.5 kDa and ~150 kDa, respectively. Optimum range of pH and temperature for hydrolysis of L-asparagine were found to be 7.5 -8.5 and 47˚C -52˚C, respectively. The recombinant enzyme is very specific for its natural substrate, L-asparagine. The activity of recombinant L-asparaginase II is improved by mono cations and diverse effectors including Na + , K + , L-cystine, L-histidine, glutathione and 2-mercaptoethanol whereas, it is moderately inhibited by different divalent cations and thiol group blocking reagent. The kinetic parameters Km, Vmax, kcat and Km/Kcat of purified recombinant L-asparaginase II were determined. The purified L-asparaginase II possesses no partial glutaminase activity, which is prerequisite to reduce the possibility of side effects during the course of anti-cancer therapy.