Extracellular Enzymes of Anamorphic Fungi Isolated from Morinda citrifolia L.

Abstract

The Amazon region is home to a vast microbial diversity that is attracting great interestin the industrial sector, like the anamorphic fungi that has economic value because ofthe production of bioactive compounds for industrial application. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify fungi from healthy leaf structure of Morinda citrifolia and verify the production of enzymes, as well as characterizing proteases from Aspergillus and Penicillium for industrial application. For the determination of enzyme activities, the fungi were grown in liquid medium (extract MGYP) at 30°C and 150 rpm. After five days, the crude extract was recovered by membrane filtration (22 microm) and activity was determined by the cup plate, at 37°C for 18 hours on solid medium with substrate fo reach enzyme. For visualization of the areas of substrate degradation on the surface of the medium were added solution of Congo Red and 1M NaCl solution to detect cellulase and iodine vapors for detecting amylase. All statements expressed enzyme (amylase, cellulase and protease), but increased expression of the halo was Aspergillus N42 and N34 (cellulases). The protease activity of Aspergillus ranged from 1.36 U/mL (N44) at 3.38 U/ml (N35), whilst for Penicillium N23 values were higher (10.82 U/mL). As to pH, the best results were obtained in a range of 6-9. All isolates tested can be sources of enzymes for future applications in industrial processes.