Resumen
Tyrosinase is a copper-containing metalloprotein that catalyzes the oxidation of tyrosine, in particular, L-DOPA to L-Dopaquinone, which are precursors of brown pigments in some wounded eukaryotic tissues. The present study focused on screening, production and characterization of tyrosinase from multi-enzyme producing Fusarium solani B1 and Fumago sp. A total of 25 strains were isolated from rotting wood samples and screened for hydrolytic and oxidative multi-enzyme potentials using different polymeric substrates. The two most consistent strains: Fusarium solani B1 and Fumago sp. B13 were further evaluated for tyrosinase production. Some media cultural parameters and physiological conditions were optimized in order to maximize tyrosinase production. Incubation of Fumago sp. B13 and Fusarium solani B1 for 96 and 144 h in medium containing 2 % and 0.2 % ratios of Glucose and NaNO3 with pH 6 and 7, respectively, was most suitable for tyrosinase production. Characterization of the partially purified tyrosinase from Fumago sp. B13 and Fusarium solani B1 exhibited optimal activities at pH 6-7, 30 °C, and 1 mM Cu2+, respectively, thereby suggesting their potentials for novel biotechnological applications.