Production of extracellular beta-mannanases by yeasts and yeast-like microorganisms.

A new screening method for simultaneous detection of endo-beta-1,4-mannanase and endo-beta-1,4-xylanase producing microorganisms is described. Two differently dyed substrates Ostazin Brilliant Red-galactomannan and Remazol Brilliant Blue-xylan were incorporated into the same agar media. Decolorizing of one or both substrates around the cell colonies indicates secretion of the corresponding enzyme(s). The method was used to screen 449 yeasts and yeast-like microorganisms belonging to 68 different genera. The secretion of endo-beta-1,4-mannanases and/or endo-beta-1,4-xylanases was found within 10 genera (42 positive strains out of 261 tested). A low frequency of occurrence of endo-beta-1,4-mannanases was observed within the genera Cryptococcus (1 positive strain out of 15 tested), Geotrichum (1 of 6) and Pichia (1 of 35). The highest frequency of occurrence of endo-beta-1,4-mannanases was found within the genera Stephanoascus (2 of 2) and Aureobasidium (14 of 14). Strains hydrolyzing Ostazin Brilliant Red-galactomannan were cultivated in liquid media containing 1% locust bean gum. The best producers of extracellualr endo-beta-1,4-mannanases were found to be the strains of Aureobasidium pullulans.