NEW MALTOSE 1-EPIMERASE AND ITS PRODUCTION

摘要

PURPOSE: To obtain the subject new enzyme catalyzing the mutual transformation betweenβ-maltose andα-maltose, thus usable for maltose quantification, by culturing maltose 1-epimerase-producting strain belonging to the genus Lactobacillus. CONSTITUTION: This new maltose 1-epimerase is obtained by culturing maltose 1-epimerase-producing strain belonging to the genus Lactobacillus (e.g. Lactobacillus brevis IFO 3345) in a medium. This new enzyme has the following characteristics: having action to catalyze the mutual transformation reaction betweenβ-maltose andα-maltose; specifically acting on maltose and inert to cellobiose or lactose; optimal pH: 5.5-7.5; stable pH range: 5.0-8.5 under treatment at 30 deg.C for 30min; molecular weight: about 43000 (determined by gel filtration method). This enzyme can determine maltose in a short time in high accuracy through its combination with maltose phosphorylase.