Evaluation of the efficiency of thermostable l-asparaginase from B. licheniformis UDS-5 for acrylamide mitigation during preparation of French fries

A thermostable l -asparaginase was produced from Bacillus licheniformis UDS-5 (GenBank accession number, OP117154). The production conditions were optimized by the Plackett Burman method, followed by the Box Behnken method, where the enzyme production was enhanced up to fourfold. It secreted l -asparaginase optimally in the medium, pH 7, containing 0.5% (w/v) peptone, 1% (w/v) sodium chloride, 0.15% (w/v) beef extract, 0.15% (w/v) yeast extract, 3% (w/v) l -asparagine at 50 °C for 96 h. The enzyme, with a molecular weight of 85 kDa, was purified by ion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography with better purification fold and percent yield. It displayed optimal catalysis at 70 °C in 20 mM Tris–Cl buffer, pH 8. The purified enzyme also exhibited significant salt tolerance too, making it a suitable candidate for the food application. The l -asparaginase was employed at different doses to evaluate its ability to mitigate acrylamide, while preparing French fries without any prior treatment. The salient attributes of B. licheniformis UDS-5 l -asparaginase, such as greater thermal stability, salt stability and acrylamide reduction in starchy foods, highlights its possible application in the food industry.