Isolation of Glucose Isomerase Hyperproducing Strain, Streptomyces sp. SM 805 and Its Enzymatic Properties

Streptomyces sp. No.8, which produced glucose isomerase was isolated from soil samples. The isolated strain, No.8, was identified as belonging to the Genus Streptomyces. A mutant strain, SM 805, showed the greatest ability to produce glucose isomerase. It was developed from the strain, No.8, by mutagenesis induced by NTG and UV treatment. The mutant strain, SM 805, produced about 7 times more glucose isomerase than the parental strain, No.8. This enzyme catalyzed the isomerization of D-xylose, D-glucose and D-ribose. It was inactive in the absence of metal ions, but was activated by the addition of $Mg^{2+}$ or $Co^{2+}$. The optimum temperature and pH for enzyme activity were $80^\circ{C}$ and pH 8.5, respectively. The enzyme was stable in a pH range of 6.0 to 10.0, and it was highly thermostable. There was no activity loss below $80^\circ{C}$, and even above $90^\circ{C}$ about 45% of its activity was retained. The reaction equilibrium was reached when about 53% fructose was present in the reaction mixture. Whole cells containing glucose isomerase from Streptomyces sp. SM 805 were immobilized by glutaraldehyde treatment. The resultant immobilized enzyme pellets showed a relatively long stability during the isomerizing reaction. The half-life of the immobilized enzyme during the operating was 45 days in the presence of 10mM $Mg^{2+}$.