Stabilization of Penicillium occitanis cellulases by spray drying in presence of Maltodextrin

The stabilization of fungal cellulases by spray drying, the thermal stability of Penicillium occitanis cellulases and the effect of some additives were studied. We observed that CMCase activity presents a good stability at 50 degreesC, even after 60 h of incubation. On the other hand, beta -glucosidase activity was more sensitive (loss of 50%) and reacts on total cellulases activities (Filter paper activities). The addition of hydrophilic agents such as ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) enhanced enzyme activity. The effect of PEG and Maltodextrin, another water activity decreasing agent, were then tested during the spray drying of Pol6 cellulases. The presence of 1% PEG allowed the best recovery but had a negative effect on enzyme stability while 1% Maltodextrin showed a negative effect on enzyme recovery but a very positive effect on enzyme stabilization. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.