Isolation and characterization of L-asparaginase from marine actinomycetes

514-520 The marine environment is a potential source of novel actinomycetes, which are a potent source of antibiotics and novel bioactive compounds. Marine actinomycetes were enumerated in sediment samples from Parangipettai and Cochin coastal areas of South India (PDK7 and PDK2). The isolates showed potential L-asparaginase activity. The partially purified L-asparaginase showed a specific activity of 64.07 IU/mg protein, 83-fold pure and yielded 2.18 per cent of protein. The enzyme activity was maximum between pH 8 and 9 and maintained stability at pH 8. The L-asparaginase showed maximum activity at 60°C, and stable up to 80°C. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 140 kDa. It showed cytostatic effect on JURKAT cells (Acute T cell leukemia) and K562 cells (Chronic myelogenous leukemia) at 24 h and cytotoxic effects at 48 h. </smarttagtype