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Cunninghamella echinulata DSM1905 biofilm-based L-asparaginase production in pneumatically-driven bioreactors

Summary

Scientists tested different types of bioreactors to grow a fungus called Cunninghamella echinulata that produces L-asparaginase, an enzyme used to treat leukemia and lymphoma. They found that a special hybrid bioreactor with a mesh scaffold allowed the fungus to form a biofilm, which produced significantly more of the therapeutic enzyme than other reactor types. This discovery could improve the production of cancer-fighting medications.

Background

L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is a chemotherapeutic enzyme used to treat acute lymphocytic leukaemia and lymphoma. Currently, bacterial sources produce this enzyme, but they can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Fungal sources have been identified as safer alternatives with fewer adverse effects.

Objective

To identify Cunninghamella strains producing L-asparaginase and determine which pneumatically-driven bioreactor system (bubble column, airlift, or hybrid fixed-bed airlift) is most suitable for fungal L-ASNase production.

Results

Cunninghamella echinulata DSM1905 produced the highest L-ASNase activity (29.791 U mL⁻¹) and specific activity (19.581 U g⁻¹). The hybrid fixed-bed airlift reactor produced the highest enzyme activity (1173.59 U mL⁻¹), with biofilm formation providing superior enzyme production compared to planktonic growth in other bioreactor types.

Conclusion

C. echinulata DSM1905 is a promising strain for L-ASNase production, particularly when grown as a biofilm in hybrid fixed-bed airlift bioreactors. The biofilm phenotype significantly enhances enzyme production and represents an improvement in upstream bioprocess design for therapeutic enzyme manufacturing.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39302957, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308847
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