OPTIMIZATION OF LIPASE PRODUCTION BY PSEUDOMONAS-AERUGINOSA MB 5001 IN BATCH CULTIVATION

The production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MB 5001 extracellular lipase was optimized by batch cultivation employing shake flasks and 23-L bioreactors. This enzyme efficiently and selectively bioconverts dimethyl 5-(3-(2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)ethyl)phenyl)4,6-dithianonanedioate (diester) to its (S)-ester acid. Proces development studies focused on the identification and optimization of the physicochemical parameters required to achieve maximum lipase production. Of the media evaluated, a peptonized milk-based medium was found to support excellent lipase production and stability. Medium composition and process parameters that supported optimal lipase production were different from those supporting maximum biomass formation. Of the parameters investigated, dissolved oxygen tension had the most significant and unexpected impact on lipase production. Elevated lipase production was achieved when P. aeruginosa MB 5001 was cultivated in a dissolved oxygen limited environment. Overall, these process development studies resulted in a 100% increase in lipase production when compared to the original shake flask process employing skim milk.