Microbial asparaginase recovery by membrane processes

A feasibility study in the use of membranes for the recovery of L-asparaginase from the fermentation stage has been undertaken. In the cell harvesting stage 100 l of broth (0.55% dry weight approx) of Erwinia carotovora is concentrated to 3.2 l by a I m2 prototype cross flow microfiltration unit in just over 4 hours. Cell disruption was carried out by raising the cell suspension to pH 11.5 to release the enzyme, which is stable in alkali, for a short period. After neutralisation by acetic acid addition, the enzyme is separated from the cell debris by filtration with 0.45 μm Asypor membranes. A preliminary economic analysis shows that the membrane process can compete favourably with the conventional process, which employs high speed centrifuges.