Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports 2322-1186 8 2 2021 06 01 Optimization of Inulinase Production by a Fungal Species Isolated From Rotten Garlic Samples 164 171 131380 10.30491/jabr.2020.238953.1253 EN Arjumanara Surti Department of Microbiology, Sophia College, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy, Mumbai 400026, Maharashtra, India Sneha Mhatre Department of Microbiology, Sophia College, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy, Mumbai 400026, Maharashtra, India Journal Article 2020 07 10 <strong>Introduction:</strong> Inulinases are β-fructohydrolase enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of inulin. Recently, this enzyme has gained much importance mainly due to its ability to produce high-density fructose syrup using inulin as a raw material. In the current study, screening of inulinase-producing microorganisms was carried out from the rhizosphere soil of the Dahlia plant and rotten garlic samples.  <br /> <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> The inulinase activity was detected with the help of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) and Seliwanoff’s method, and the organism showing the highest potential was selected for further optimization studies.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The optimum culture conditions for inulinase production, by the test fungal culture, were observed when 5% inoculum was added to the minimal medium (pH 5.5) containing 1% inulin/ costus root powder as a carbon source and 0.15% NaNO₃/ NH₄Cl as a nitrogen source, and incubated at 30°C for 48h under shaker conditions (200 rpm). Maximum enzyme activity was observed at pH level of 5 and temperature level of 45°C, with thermal stability noted between 35°C-55°C. The I/S value of the crude enzyme was calculated to be 0.45 indicating true inulinase activity. It showed no significant inhibition in the presence of metal ions such as Zn⁺², Mg^+2, and Fe⁺³. The Ca⁺² ions showed partial inhibition whereas Cu⁺² ions showed an enhancement in the enzyme activity.<br /> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> These factors may present the test fungal culture isolated in the present study to be a potential candidate for the production of thermo-tolerant and metal resistant inulinase enzyme in order to be used for various biotechnological processes. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_131380_dc4519dc83210e1693ef627e447a0168.pdf