Application

The enzyme from Sigma has been used for the hydrolysis of the crude cell wall preparation of oomycete Aphanomyces euteiches, a major parasite of legume plants. It has also been used for the enzymatic hydrolysis of the fully de-N-acetylated chitosan to get chitosan oligomer mixtures during the preparation of biocompatible chitosan-alginate gel.

Chitosanase from Streptomyces griseus has been used in the digestion of lacrimal gland (LG) tissues.

Chitosanase from Streptomyces griseus has been used in a study to assess the effect of chitin sources on production of chitinase and chitosanase. Chitosanase from Streptomyces griseus has also been used in a study to investigate the effective production of chitinase and chitosanase by Streptomyces griseus HUT 6037 using colloidal chitin and various degrees of deacetylation of chitosan.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Chitosanase catalyzes the endohydrolysis of N-acetylated chitosan specifically at the of β(1,4) linkages between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucosamine residues. Chitosanase fromStreptomyces griseusis capable of hydrolyzing both chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose. Chitosanase is found in several types of microorganisms and is used for the lysis of fungal cell walls.

General description

Chitosanase is synthesized from Streptomyces griseus as an extracellular secreted enzyme and corresponds to a molecular weight of 34 kDa. It has a temperature and pH optimum of 60°C and 5.7, respectively. Chitosanase belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase family and comprises α-helical tertiary structure similar to lysozyme with substrate-binding cleft placed between two lobes.

Other Notes

View more information on enzymes for complex carbohydrate analysis at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer

Packaging

10 units in serum bottle

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing potassium phosphate buffer salts

Preparation Note

For long term solution storage, reconstitute vial with 50% glycerol solution. Dilute to working concentrations with a 0.1% BSA solution.

Unit Definition

One unit will release 1 µmole of glucosamine from chitosan per min at pH 5.0 at 37 °C as measured in the fluorimetric assay of Osswald, et al. (1992).