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Aspergillus niger produces enzyme trehalase, which is responsible for conversion of trehalose to glucose. Conidia from 15-day old culture were used for optimizing the trehalase activity using different cellulosic media and different carbohydrates; further its distribution was studied. Enzyme activity was assayed by estimating glucose released using 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic acid. Highest trehalase activity was reported in presence of oatmeal as compared to corn and walnut sources. Further, highest trehalase activity was present as extracellular protein. High levels of enzyme activity were obtained in presence of 1 % starch. There was nearly 80% increase in specific activity of the enzyme in presence of starch. Specific activity of trehalase enzyme in presence of starch was 46.62 ± 1.39 μmol/min/mg.
Key words: Aspergillus niger, Conidia, Optimization, Trehalase.