Identification and evaluation of fungal strains with fucoidan degradation potential

Abstract

Ten fungal strains isolated of Mexican semi-desert were screened for ability to hydrolyze fucoidan in order to search microorganism capable to produce sulfated fucans-degrading enzymes. Plate assay and liquid fermentation experiments were carried out using Laminaria japonica fucoidan as only carbon source, testing three nitrogen sources. Growth was observed only in Aspergillus niger PSH, Mucor sp., and Penicillum purpurogenum GH2 in fucoidan-urea medium. The activity of fucoidanases was determined by reduced sugars. Aspergillus niger PSH showed the highest activity titles. This research indicate that filamentous fungi, using specific medium, are sources enable to induce active metabolism that act toward this class of polysaccharide.