Phytase Properties from Bifidobacterium animalis

Phytase activity was examined with various bifidobacterial strains cultured statically in MRS broth at $37^{\circ}C$ for 48 hr. Seven Bifidobacterium species showed mostly an intracellular phytase activity, though their specific activities were very low. The highest specific activity was found in Bifidobacterium animalis B33 strain, among 7 bifidobacteria tested. The specific activity was highest during the exponential growth phase. Carbohydrates and the concentration of phosphorus sources had an effect on the phytase activity and bacterial growth. Glucose was the most favorable carbohydrate for the phytase activity. Phytate inhibited the cell growth, and phytase activity decreased with increase of phytate concentration. The phytase activity was even higher in the static microaerophilic growth than that in anaerobic state, despite the stimulated growth in anaerobic growth. The optimal pH ranges were comparatively broad, but the optimal temperatures were $50^{\circ}C$ for all tested strains. The phytase activity was most active at pH 6.5 and $50^{\circ}C$ for B. animalis B33 strain.