Characterization of alcohol oxidase from Aspergillus ochraceus AIU 031

Abstract

An alcohol oxidase (AOD) was found from Aspergillus ochraceus AIU 031, and its characteristics were revealed. This enzyme oxidized short-chain primary alcohols and ethylene glycol, and belonged to the same group as AOD from methylotrophic yeast. However, it differed in the following properties. The K_m value for ethanol was larger and that for ethylene glycol was smaller than those of AODs derived from methylotrophic yeasts. The ethanol oxidation was optimal at pH 5–7 and 50–55°C. The molecular mass of this enzyme was 262 kDa and consisted of four identical subunits of 68 kDa, which were much smaller than those of methylotrophic yeasts.