The fungus Penicillium purpurogenum was found to produce intracellular ß-glucosidase. Maximum activity of ß-glucosidase was observed on sucrose. Various cultural parameters of cultivation of P. purpurogenum for production of ß-glucosidase were optimized. Maximum enzyme content was observed after 96 hours of cultivation at 30º;C. Addition of amino acids histidine and cysteine induced ß-glucosidase synthesis to certain extent. The optimum temperature and pH for ß-glucosidase activity was 50º;C and 5.5 respectively. ß-glucosidase of P.purpurogenum shows stability at pH 2 thus it could be an ideal enzyme for debittering in fruit juice and wine industries.
ß-glucosidase; Penicillium
