Glutaminase-free L-asparaginase production by Leucosporidium muscorum isolated from Antarctic marine-sediment

L-asparaginase (ASNase) is an essential drug in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Commercial bacterial ASNases increase patient survival, but the consequent immunological reactions remain a challenge. Yeasts ASNase is closer to human congeners and could lead to lower side effects. Among 134 yeast strains isolated from marine-sediments in King George Island, Antarctica, nine were L-asparaginase producing yeasts and glutaminase-free. Leucosporidium muscorum CRM 1648 yielded the highest ASNase activity (490.41 U.L⁻¹) and volumetric productivity (5.12 U.L⁻¹ h⁻¹). Sucrose, yeast extract and proline were the best carbon and nitrogen sources to support growth and ASNase production. A full factorial design analysis pointed the optimum media condition for yeast growth and ASNase yield: 20 g L⁻¹ sucrose, 15 g L⁻¹ yeast extract and 20 g L⁻¹ proline, which resulted in 4582.5 U L⁻¹ and 63.64 U L⁻¹ h⁻¹ of ASNase and volumetric productivity, respectively. Analysis of temperature, pH, inoculum and addition of seawater indicated the best condition for ASNase production by this yeast: 12–15 °C, pH 5.5–6.5 and seawater >25% (v/v). Inoculum concentration seems not to interfere. This work is pioneer on the production of ASNase by cold-adapted yeasts, highlighting the potential of these microbial resources as a source of glutaminase-free L-asparaginase for commercial purposes.