Production of fatty acid alcohol esters by esterase activity from Pseudomonas fragi

• Main Author: Ismail, Safwan.
• Other Authors: Kermasha, S. (advisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1998
• Subjects: Esterases.; Pseudomonas fragi.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21574

Pseudomonas fragi CRDA 037 was used as source of intracellular esterase, which remained attached to the cell membrane, and characterized. Several mechanical methods of disruption were used including glass beads (MSK), sonication, French press and combinations of these methods. The cellular debris were also treated with detergents such as CHAPS and Triton X-100 in the presence of chelating agent ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid (EDTA). The esterase activity remained in the cellular debris which was therefore use as a source of enzyme for kinetic studies. In the case of glass beads homogenization, the activity was found to decrease as a function of time of disruption. The results of chemical treatment showed that the esterase was characterized in terms of detergent and EDA action as well as substrate specificity. Triton X-100 and EDTA had no effect on the esterase activity and did not denature the enzyme. The substrate specificity with cells and cellular debris were carried out. The valeric acid was the best in term of esterase activity among fatty acids used in the study. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)