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Submerged Fermentation of Rhizopus sp. for l-asparaginase Production in Lymphoma Therapy

Summary

Researchers developed a new way to produce an anti-cancer enzyme called L-asparaginase using a fungus called Rhizopus, which could offer a safer alternative to current bacterial sources. They designed and tested a special bioreactor system that allows the fungus to grow as a biofilm, significantly increasing enzyme production. The system achieved enzyme activity levels much higher than previous laboratory methods, suggesting it could be scaled up for industrial pharmaceutical production.

Background

L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme used in lymphoma therapy that depletes circulating l-asparagine, a nutrient required by malignant cells. Commercially available bacterial L-ASNase has notable side effects and production challenges. Fungal sources may present fewer adverse effects due to evolutionary proximity to animal genetic material.

Objective

To identify and optimize novel fungal sources for L-ASNase production and develop a suitable bioreactor system for enzyme production. The study aimed to identify fast-growing filamentous fungi producing L-ASNase without l-glutaminase activity and optimize bioprocess parameters.

Results

Rhizopus sp. UPX271019 exhibited the highest specific L-ASNase activity during screening. The FB-ALR operated at 0.75 vvm aeration demonstrated superior mass transfer performance. Biofilm formation by Rhizopus sp. in the FB-ALR yielded average enzyme activity of 2475 ± 701 U with specific activity of 3093 ± 606 U μg protein⁻¹.

Conclusion

Rhizopus spp. are proficient L-ASNase producers, and the FB-ALR system combining airlift bioreactor advantages with fixed-bed biofilm formation is highly suitable for industrial scale-up. Fungal-derived L-ASNase presents a compelling therapeutic alternative with potential for reduced toxicity compared to bacterial sources.
  • Published in:ACS Omega,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41179187, DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c06775
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