Optimization of L-asparaginase production from novel Enterobacter sp., by submerged fermentation using response surface methodology.

The culture conditions and nutritional rations influencing the production of extra cellular antileukemic enzyme by novel Enterobacter aerogenes KCTC2190/MTCC111 were optimized in shake-flask culture. Process variables like pH, temperature, incubation time, carbon and nitrogen sources, inducer concentration, and inoculum size were taken into account. In the present study, finest enzyme activity achieved by traditional one variable at a time method was 7.6 IU/mL which was a 2.6-fold increase compared to the initial value. Further, the L-asparaginase production was optimized using response surface methodology, and validated experimental result at optimized process variables gave 18.35 IU/mL of L-asparaginase activity, which is 2.4-times higher than the traditional optimization approach. The study explored the E. aerogenes MTCC111 as a potent and potential bacterial source for high yield of antileukemic drug.