Abstract

ZOGHBI, Normig et al. Extraction and purification of glucose oxidase for diagnostic purposes produced in media based on fertilizers and industrial sugar. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2008, vol.28, n.1, pp.31-37. ISSN 1315-2556.

The enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) is an essential component of reagents used for determining blood sugar and other clinical parameters. Aspergillus niger grown in media prepared with expensive analytical grade substrates is used for its production. Therefore, we decided to purify GOX produced by A. niger  grown in media with complex and inexpensive nutrients and to evaluate its efficiency in glucose concentration measurement assays. For this purpose we formulated four types of media, one standard and other three alternatives in which we used industrial sugar and fertilizers. The cultures were done in 50 mL flasks under a random block design, evaluating growth and enzymatic activity. The alternative medium with the best yield was selected for production in 5 liter bioreactors and later GOX purification (saline fractioning and Sephadex G-25 and DEAE-Sephacel chromatography ). Two large enzyme yields were obtained (7 mg per load), highly purified (39000 U/g), and with an apparent 22 ± 1 mM glucose K_M. The diagnostic reagent formulated presented an optimal linearity interval (between 50 and 60 mg/dL glucose). Therefore, it was concluded that the substrates in the alternative culture medium did not interfere in the quality and quantity of the purified product.

Keywords : glucose oxidase; diagnosis; glycemia; Aspergillus niger.