Alginate lyase from Vibrio alginolyticus ATCC 17749

Vibrio alginolyticus ATCC 17749 was proved to produce an extracellular alginate lyase. The enzyme was purified from the culture fluid by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by phenyl Sepharose CL-4B and blue Sepharose CL-6B chromatographies. The final enzyme preparation was homogeneous as judged by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The lyase was found to be specific for β-1, 4 bonds involving D-mannuronate units in alginate. A calcium chloride concentration of 1×10-2M activated the enzyme to reach a maximal activity, and calcium chloride was also effective on the increase in thermostability of the enzyme.