Abstract
Two marine bacteria capable of producing extracellular β-1, 4-mannanases (strain nos. MA-129 and MA-138) were isolated from sea environment. A large amount of β-mannanases were induced with konjac powder from both strains and also with mannose from strain no. MA-138. Both strains showed high enzyme production when incubated with shaking at 25°C for 24h. The culture fluid of strain no. MA-129 was fractionated into one active peak and that of strain no. MA-138 two active peaks by ion-exchange chromatography. Every enzyme fraction had pH optimum of 7.0-7.5 and hydrolyzed β-mannan and glucomannan to form several oligosaccharides. Both strains belonged to genus Vibrio.
