Aqueous two phase extraction of invertase from baker’s yeast: Effect of process parameters on partitioning.

Invertase (�-d-fructofuronoside fructohydrolase) is an industrially important enzyme useful for the
hydrolysis of sucrose. The potential of aqueous two phase extraction for the isolation and purification of
invertase from crude baker’s yeast is explored. Influence of the process parameters such as type of phase
forming salts, PEG molecular weight, concentration of salt and polymer, tie line length and volume ratio
on partitioning of invertase was studied. PEG 3350/magnesium sulphate system was found most suitable
for the extraction which has resulted in favorable pH (5±0.2) for the enzyme extraction. Polymer
and salt concentration were found to significantly affect the degree of purification and enzyme recovery
of invertase. The purity of ∼8.81 fold was obtained compared to crude extract with recovery of 77% at
the standardized process conditions. Overall results demonstrated the feasibility of aqueous two phase
extraction for the isolation and purification of invertase without the need of multiple steps.