Production, characterization and properties of polysaccharide depolymerizing enzymes from a strain of Curvularia inaequalis

Xylanase, beta -glucosidase, beta -xylosidase, endoglucanase and polygalacturonase production from Curvularia inaequalis was carried out by means of solid-state and submerged fermentation using different carbon sources. beta -Glucosidase, beta -xylosidase, polygalacturonase and xylanase produced by the microorganisms were characterized. beta -Glucosidase presented optimum activity at pH 5.5 whereas xylanase. poly-galacturonase and beta -xylosidase activities were optimal at pH 5.0. Maximal activity of beta -glucosidase was determined at 60 degreesC, beta -xylosidase at 70 degreesC, and polygalacturonase and xylanase at 55 degreesC. These enzymes were stable at acidic to neutral pH and at 40-45 degreesC, The crude enzyme solution was studied for the hydrolysis of agricultural residues.