|
Isolation and preliminary
characterization of conophor nut (Tetracarpidium
conophorum) lipase
Victor N. Enujiugha
Department
of Food Science and Technology,
Federal
University
of Technology. P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria. E-mail:
venujiugha@yahoo.com.
Accepted 22
December, 2008 |
|
Lipase in
oilseeds helps to hydrolyze the ester bonds of storage
triacylglycerols. The crude lipase from the conophor nut (Tetracarpidium
conophorum) was isolated and assayed via quantification
of the free fatty acids liberated by the hydrolysis of the
oilseed triacylglycerols. Optimum pH and temperature for the
enzyme activity of the conophor nut lipase was pH 8.0 and at
30°C with substantial lipolysis at 80°C, underscoring the
thermostability of the enzyme. The effects of different ions
on the activity of the isolated lipase were examined. NaCl
and EDTA inhibited activity by various degrees, while Ca2+
and Hg+ enhanced the enzyme activity. The results
of the present study show that the lipase from conophor nut
can favourably be exploited to complement existing lipase
sources.
Key
words: Conophor nut, lipase activity, temperature, pH. |
