[Physiological and biochemical properties of Actinomyces kurssanovii, active producter of chitinase].

Chitinase biosynthesis by Actinomyces kurssonovii 75 was studied under conditions of periodic cultivation in a laboratory fermenter. The activity of components of the chitinolytic complex correlated with the growth phases of the culture. The activity of chitobiase (beta-N-acetylglucoseaminidase) predominated in the cultural broth in the exponential growth phase of the culture; it decreased later by 40-50 per cent, while the activity of chitinase became maximum. The biosynthesis of chitinolytic enzymes by the growing actinomycete was accompanied with a rapid hydrolysis of demineralized crab shells, and a gradual increase in the pH of the medium to 9.0. A chitinolytic preparation obtained from the supernatant of the cultural broth of Act kurssanovii hydrolysed ground chitin by 70-80 per cent during 5 days. Fe2+ and Ca2+ ions increased the activity of the preparation by 25 and 30 per cent respectively; Mn2+ ions decreased the activity by 40 per cent.