Abstract

Proteases are important commercial enzymes, and among their numerous sources are the Basidiomycetes. The use of proteases in many industrial areas promotes the search for enzymes with new properties. The aim of this study is to produce and characterize peptidases of a biocomposite from mycelial biomass grown in Amazonic tubers. Lentinus citrinus DPUA 1535 and Pleurotus ostreatoroseus DPUA 1720 were cultivated on Dioscorea trifida, Manihot esculenta and Dioscorea alata supplemented with rice bran or manioc flour residue in different proportions. The highest proteolytic activity was determined in the crude extract from P. ostreatoroseus grown in D. alata (DA) without supplementation (142.22 U/mL). The enzymes showed optimum activities at 40°C and pH 7.0; and stability at 50°C and pH 8.0. The proteases were classified as cysteine proteases based on the effect of inhibitors used.

Key words: Pleurotus, Lentinus, Dioscorea, protease.