African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (5), pp. 564-568, 5 March 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Identification of potential fungal strain(s) for the production of inducible, extracellular and alkalophilic lipase

J. Savitha*, S. Srividya, R. Jagat, P. Payal, S. Priyanki, G. W. Rashmi, K. T. Roshini and Y. M. Shantala

Department of Microbiology, Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Center for Post-Graduate Studies, 18/3, 9^th Main, Jayanagar 3rd Block, Bangalore 560 011, India.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: drsvtj@yahoo.co.in  Tel.: +91-080-41210691. Fax: +91-080-41210692.

In the present study, a total of 32 fungal organisms belonging to 3 different genera were isolated from various sources of which 4 (three Aspergillus sp. and one Mucor sp.) were found to be positive for lipase production. Rhodamine B rapid screening technique was used to determine the lipase activity. Mucor sp. was found to exhibit a maximum fluorescence zone at 350 nm. Among the various types of triglycerides used as the carbon source, sunflower oil was found to be the most effective in inducing lipase in Mucor sp. The lipase in Mucor sp. was found to be inducible, alkalophilic and thermostable.

Key words: Alkalophilic lipase, extracellular, inducible, Mucor sp, Rhodamine B.