Effect of culture conditions on growth and lipase production by a newly isolated strain, Geotrichum-like R59 (Basidiomycetes)

Growth and production of lipase by a new isolant Geotrichum-like R59 were studied. Production of extracellular lipase was substantially enhanced when the initial pH of the culture medium, types of carbon and nitrogen sources, those of inducers of lipase biosynthesis, temperature and time of growth were optimized. Sucrose and triolein were the most effective compounds for lipase production. Maximum lipase production was obtained when urea was used as nitrogen source (146 U/ml). Temperature of 30°C, the initial pH of 6.0 and incubation time of 48 h were found as optimum conditions for cell growth and production of lipase by Geotrichum-hke R59 strain. The enzyme presented a good thermostability and still exhibited very high activity after 1 h incubation at 60°C.