Sugar cane molasses as culture media component for microbial transglutaminase production

Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase, Ec 2.3.3.13) modifies functional properties like gelation, emulsification, foaming, viscosity and water holding capacity of proteins in high-protein content foods. Sugar cane molasses are mainly composed by noncrystallised sugars. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of sugar cane molasses as culture media combined with sodium caseinate and glycerol on both, the MTGase production and the relationship between enzyme and biomass production, when high or low values of nutrient concentrations were used. In the optimal conditions, mathematical models predicted biomass concentrations of 7.5 and 5.3 g/L, enzyme activities of 0.32 and 0.54 U/mL, as well as productivities of 0.0033 U/mLh^-1 and 0.012 U/mLh^-1for high and low values of nutrient concentrations, respectively.