Chitinolytic activity produced by Penicillium oxalicum in different culture media

Chitinolytic activity in the supernatant from autolysed cultures of Penicillium oxalicum in different media was studied. Chitinase and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities were detected in culture fluids when the carbon source in the medium was exhausted. The highest β-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities appeared in the media containing glucose and supplemented with colloidal chitin (6 g 1-1) and trace elements. The highest chitinase activities appeared in media containing glucose and supplemented with N-acetylglucosamine or colloidal chitin (2 g 1-1). The β-N-acetylglucosaminidase had a pH optimum at 4.5 and chitinase at 6.5.