Production of extracellular enzymes byThermomonospora curvataduring growth on protein-extracted lucerne fibres

Effects of the detergent Tween 80 on Thermomonospora curvata

Tween 80 (0.1%, v/v) added to Thermomonospora curvata growing in minimal medium caused a transient lowering of the dry cell mass, decreased the optimal growth temperature of the thermophile from 62 to 54°C, and increased extracellular esterase activity. Cells grown in the presence of Tween 80 had decreased concentrations of branched chain fatty acids and increased concentrations of oleic acid. The detergent removed surface protuberances from mycelia and increased the liberation of enzymes active against crystalline cellulose, but did not stimulate liberation of enzymes active against carboxymethylcellulose, starch or pectin.

Purification and characterization of the major beta-1,4-endoglucanase from Thermomonospora curvata

The major beta-1,4-endoglucanase (EG) of the thermophilic actinomycete, Thermomonospora curvata, contributed over 80% of the total EG activity recovered from cell-free culture fluid after growth on cellulose. The enzyme was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and size exclusion HPLC. This monomeric enzyme had a specific activity of 750 IU mg(-1) when assayed with 2.5% (w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at 70 degrees C, pH 6.0. Highest activity was observed on CMC with a degree of polymerization of 3200. The EG was stable for 48 h at 60 degrees C, pH 6.0 and had a half-life of 30 min at 80 degrees C; temperature and pH optima were 70-73 degrees C and 6.0-6.5, respectively. The mol. wt was 100,000 and the pI was 4.0. The Km and Vmax values were 7.33 mg/ml(-1) and 833 microns min(-1), respectively. EG activity was inhibited by Fe(2+), Hg(2+), Ag(+) and Pb(2+), and enhanced by dithiothreitol and Zn(2+). The first 12 amino acid residues at the N-terminus were: Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-Glu-Ile-Arg-Asn-Gly-Asp-Phe-Ser. Glutamic and aspartic acid constituted 24% of the total amino acid composition; no amino sugar was found.

Influence of carbon source on cell surface topology of Thermomonospora curvata

The appearance of cell surface protuberances in Thermomonospora curvata correlated with cell-bound exoenzymes which could be removed by brief sonication. Mycelia grown on cellulose or xylan had numerous protuberances and retained 20 to 25% of endoglucanase and endoxylanase at cell surfaces, while those grown on pectin or starch had few protuberances and negligible bound pectinase or amylase.