Characterization of dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides T3, water kefir grains isolate

The production of dextransucrase (DS) by Leuconostoc mesenteroides T3, novel isolate from water kefir grain, was studied and optimized. Bacterial supernatant reached activity of 3.1 U/ml when the culture was grown at 23 °C and under static culture condition using classical Tsuchiya medium for DS production. The increase of sucrose concentration to 7% led to an increase of DS activity by 52% compared to the control. Medium with 2% beef extract and 1% yeast extract resulted in 4.52 U/ml, which was 47% higher than in the control (with 2% yeast extract). Finally, the increase of K 2 HPO 4 concentration from 2 to 3% resulted in the increased enzyme activity by 28%. Enzyme purified by polyethylene glycol 400 fractionation displayed maximum activity at 30 °C and pH 5.4. Zymogram analysis confirmed the presence of DS of approximately 180 kDa. The addition of divalent cations Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Fe 2+ and Co 2+ led to a minor increase of DS activity, while the addition of Mn 2+ was the most prominent with 73% increase. These findings classify dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides T3 as promising candidate for production of dextran, which has numerous applications in various industries.