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Endo-β-1,4-D-mannanase (β-mannanase; EC 3.2.1.78) catalyses the random hydrolysis of mannoglycosidic bonds in mannan-based polysaccharides. These enyzmes are commonly found in nature and are located within the structure of mannans and heteromannans (galactomannan, glucomannan and galactoglucomannan) in the hemicellulose fraction of trees with soft tissues and hard tissues, locust bean seed. Most β-mannanases degrade mannooligosaccharides down to a degree of polymerization of four. In this study mannanase was produced using a submerged fermentation method from Bacillus subtilis. The effect of growth of the organism and processing parameters on the production of mannanase were determined after which optimization studies were carried out. The enzyme was partially purified using ammonium sulphate, dialysis and gel filtration. The partially purified enzyme was characterized. The result of the study showed that mannanase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis was optimally produced in a medium comprising of galactose, peptone, sugarcane bagasse at a pH of 6.0 and a temperature of 45 oC. The enzyme was most stable and active at pH 10.0 and at a temperature of 40 oC. and 60 respectively.

Spoilage occurs in plant produce due to the action of field and storage microorganisms. The conditions of storage can also cause physiological spoilage. Various methods exist to ensure that these food substances maintain their quality long after harvesting. However, many of these methods either fail to keep the plant for the required period or predispose the plant to other spoilage risks. The major shortcoming posed by the use of many antimicrobials is the chemical residues it deposits in the food substance. The use of plants in preservation has been in use for a long period, though little understood then, it served its purposes. A better understanding of the roles of these plant parts in increasing the shelf life of farm produce has helped in the creation of more effective and safer means of pest and microbial control. This can be extended to plants that have not been used for these purposes initially. 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