Production of lipase by soil fungi and partial characterization of lipase from a selected strain (Penicillium wortmanii).

Filamentous fungi from soil were screened for their ability to produce lipase. Among 56 filamentous fungi tested, one strain identified as Penicillium wortmanii was selected as the highest lipase producer. Maximum lipase production (12.5 U/ml) was obtained in 7-days cultures utilizing 5% (w/v) olive oil as the carbon source. Optimum pH and temperature for crude lipase were 7.0 and 45 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme was stable at 40 and 45 degrees C and it retained about 55% of its activity when heated at 50 degrees C for 1 hour.