Enzymatic Production of Ribonucleotides from Autolysates of Kluyveromyces marxianus Grown on Whey

After 20h fermentation of medium containing 5% (w/v) dehydrated whey, at 30°C, pH 4.5, yeast cells were harvested, diluted in 0.1M KH₂PO₄, and autolyzed at different pHs (6.5–7.5) and temperatures (45–55°C). Phosphodiesterase (0.2–1.0% w/v, 65°C, pH 6.5, 6h) and adenyl deaminase (0.5-1.0% w/v, 60°C, pH 5.5, 4h) were added to the autolysates. After heat treatment (100°C, 15 min), samples were analyzed by RP-HPLC and LC/MS. Production of 5′-ribonucleotides was maximized at 50°C, pH 6.5. Yields of 5′-AMP (800 μg/g of biomass) and 5′-GMP (2000 μg/g) increased considerably after addition of 1.0% phosphodiesterase. 5′-IMP increased only after addition of 1.0% adenyl deaminase.