Production of an alkaline proteinase fromConidiobolus coronatus and its use to resolveDL-phenylalanine andDL-phenylglycine.

An isolate ofConidiobolus coronatus (NCIM 1238) showed high proteinase activity (20.1 U/ml) and productivity (600 U/l.h) when 1% (w/v) glucose or sucrose was used as the carbon source in shake flasks. Addition of organic nitrogen sources, casein (2%), soybean flour (4%), liver extract (2%) or Edamin-S (2%), enhanced growth and proteinase production up to three-fold and seven-fold, respectively. The system was successfully run up to 6 l in a laboratory fermenter with a productivity of 600 U/l.h. The proteinase was successfully used to resolve the recemic mixtures ofDL-phenylalanine andDL-phenylglycine and thus could replace the currently used subtilisin.