ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF L-GLUTAMINASE PRODUCING FUNGI FROM MARINE SOURCE

L-glutaminase [EC.3.5.1.2] is an amidohydrolase that catalyzes the hydrolytic deamination of L-glutamine, resulting in the production of L-glutamic acid and ammonia. The L-glutaminase has received a significant attention due to its potential as an anticancer agent. In the present study, soil sediments were collected from the estuaries region of Parangipettai, Cuddallore District, Tamil Nadu. The isolated fungal strains were screened for L-glutaminase production, and the potent strain was characterized and identified as Aspergillus flavus JK-79 (Genebank accession number MF445235). The anti-cancer enzyme L-glutaminase production by Aspergillus flavus JK-79 was evaluated in five different production media under the submerged fermentation process. The Minimal medium showed maximal enzyme production by the marine isolate. Further, parameters such as Inoculum size, pH, temperature, and nutritional requirements such as carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and amino acids were optimized by One-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) for maximal production of L-glutaminase under submerged fermentation process.  The maximum production of L-glutaminase by Aspergillus flavus JK-79 was recorded at pH 8 (790 .436U/mL), temperature 28°C with 2% inoculum size. The findings suggest that the enzyme L-glutaminase from marine Aspergillus flavus JK-79 may be suitable for therapeutic application in the treatment of ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) with less side effects. Further, the marine strain can also be promising for industrial-scale production due to its enhanced level of L-glutaminase productivity.