Production of a novel alkaline lipase by Fusarium globulosum using neem oil, and its applications*
Ruchi Gulati1, Jasmine Isar1, Vineet Kumar2, Ashok K. Prasad2, Virinder S. Parmar2, and Rajendra K. Saxena1,‡
1Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021, India; 2Bioorganic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India
Abstract: A low-temperature, alkaline, and detergent-compatible lipase from Fusarium globulosum (FGL) has been produced using an inexpensive source, viz. neem oil. Maximum lipase production of 12 300 U/L was achieved in 96 h on optimizing various physicochemical parameters. The lipase exhibited remarkable stability in the presence of commercial detergents, bleaching agents, and proteases. The lipase showed a novel property of marked activation on prolonged incubation at alkaline pH. Wash performance analysis of the commercial detergent for removal of fatty stains improved upon addition of this lipase.
*Paper based on a presentation at the 24th International Symposium on the Chemistry of Natural Products and the 4th International Congress on Biodiversity, held jointly in Delhi, India, 26-31 January 2004. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 1-344.