A newly isolated Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis capable to secrete amyloltic enzymes with raw-starch-digesting activity.

A newly isolated active producer of raw starch digesting amyloltic enzymes, Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis CICIM-CU F0088 was screened and identified by morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. This fungus was isolated from the soil of Chinese glue pudding mill, and produced high levels of amylolytic activity under solid state fermentation with supplementation of starch and wheat bran. Results of thin layer chromatography showed there are two kinds of amyloltic enzymes formed by this strain, including one alpha-amylase and two glucoamylases. It was found that the two glucoamylases can digest raw corn starch in the electron microscope experiments, and has an optimal temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. These results signified that amyloltic enzymes secreted by strain of Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis CICIM-CU F0088 were kinds of thermostable amyloltic enzymes and able to digest raw corn starch.