Production of α-galactosidase by Monascus grown on soybean and sugarcane wastes.

Extracts of both sugarcane and soybean wastes supported the growth of Monascus but sugarcane waste was superior for the production of α-galactosidase. An aqueous extract prepared from 5% (w/v) soybean waste and 7% (w/v) sugarcane waste gave the best result and was superior to the standard peptone/glucose/yeast extract medium. Liquid-solid mixtures were slightly less effective. Enzyme production could be enhanced by adding raffinose. Enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-α-D-galactoside was optimal at pH 4.5. Raffinose and stachyose were hydrolysed to sucrose and galactose.