초록
<P>This study aimed to develop an economically viable enzyme for the optimal production of steviol (S) from stevioside (ST). Of 9 commercially available glycosidases tested, S-producing β-glucosidase (SPGase) was selected and purified 74-fold from Penicillium decumbens naringinase by a three-step column chromatography procedure. The 121-kDa protein was stable at pH?2.3-6.0 and at 40-60?C. Hydrolysis of ST by SPGase produced rubusoside (R), steviolbioside (SteB), steviol mono-glucoside (SMG), and S, as determined by HPLC, HPLC-MS, and (1)H- and (13)C-nuclear magnetic resonance. SPGase showed higher activity toward steviol mono-glucosyl ester, ST, R, and SMG than other β-linked glucobioses. The optimal conditions for S production (30?mM, 64?% yield) were 47?mM ST and 43?μl of SPGase at pH?4.0 and 55?C. This is the first report detailing the production of S from ST hydrolysis by a novel β-glucosidase, which may be useful for the pharmaceutical and agricultural areas.</P>