Bioprocess for enhanced production of a fibrinolytic protease with high thrombolytic potential from Aspergillus flavus SH71

The diseases related to the cardiovascular system significantly contribute towards global mortality. Dysregulation/malfunctioning of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways especially under pathophysiological conditions disturbs the homeostasis and causes cardiovascular complications. Thrombosis is one such disorder wherein normal blood flow is obstructed due to an abnormal fibrin clot. Serious issues with the available therapeutics (thrombolytics) viz. fatal side effects, low specificity and efficacy and high cost, motivate the research for discovery of potentially novel, safe, efficacious and cost-effective thrombolytics.In the present study, an effectual fibrin specific fibrinolytic protease (thrombolytic) was produced from a newly isolated fungus Aspergillus flavus SH71 by using low-cost agricultural residues as substrates. Molasses as a sole carbon source and linseed cake as an exclusive nitrogen source supported the protease production of 188.99 U/mL and 215.67 U/mL respectively which were higher than that obtained in control (133.91 U/mL). Also, some other agro-based substrates (orange peel, rice bran, malt, mixed fruit brunch and soymeal) supported higher enzyme titre than control. Furthermore, a bioprocess was developed for fibrinolytic protease production by optimization of process variables i.e. concentration of molasses and linseed cake, medium pH and incubation time based on design of experiments and a substantial yield enhancement was achieved (1.97 folds).