Secretion of α-L-rhamnosidase by Aspergillus terreus and its role in debittering of orange juice

An indigenous strain of Aspergillus terreus has been shown to secrete alpha -L-rhamnosidase in liquid culture medium. Km, PH and temperature optima of this enzyme using p-nitrophenyl alpha -L-rhamnopyranoside have been round to be 1.5 mM, 3.5 and 55 degreesC, respectively. L-rhamnose, naringin, glucose, and citric acid inhibit the activity of this enzyme. The enzyme hydrolyses naringin present in orange fruit juice and hence it is suitable for debittering citrus fruit juices.