PHYTASE FROM ASPERGILLUS NIGER EXPRESSED IN A. NIGER
New specifications prepared at the 76th JECFA (2012) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 13 (2012). An ADI “not specified" was established at the 76th JECFA (2012).
SYNONYMS Phytase, 3-phytase
SOURCES Phytase is produced by submerged fed-batch fermentation of a non pathogenic and non toxicogenic genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger which contains the phytase encoding gene derived from Aspergillus niger. The enzyme is secreted and then isolated from the fermentation broth by filtration to remove the biomass and concentrated by ultrafiltration. The enzyme concentrate is subjected to germ filtration and is subsequently formulated and standardized to the desired activity using food-grade compounds.
Active principles 3-phytase
Systematic names and numbers
Myo-Inositol hexakisphosphate 3-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.8, CAS 37288-11-2
Reactions catalysed Hydrolysis of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (phytate) to inositol pentaphosphate (IP5), and further to give a mixture of myo-inositol di-phosphate (IP2), myo-inositol mono-phosphate (IP1) and free orthophosphate
Secondary enzyme activities No significant levels of secondary enzyme activities
DESCRIPTION Brownish liquid or yellow to light brown powder.
FUNCTIONAL USES Enzyme preparation.
Used to degrade phytate found in plant derived foods, particularly cereal grains and legumes, in order to improve mineral bioavailability.
