This study reveals the selection of a yeast strain, possessing inulinase activity and finding the optimal conditions of cultivation. Intra- and extracellular activity assay was performed after cultivation on media, containing inulin as a sole source of carbon. Optimization of the cultivation conditions was carried out for establishing the favorable conditions for biosynthesis of inulinase. Modifying the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of a cultivation process lead to major improvement of the enzyme activity. Highest intra- and extracellular inulinase activity was registered when 1.5% inulin was used, 5 % inoculum, temperature 28°C, pH=6.5 and agitation of 200rpm. The selected strain Kluyveromyces sp. C showed higher values for the intracellular inulinase activity, making it suitable for immobilization and further use. Key words: Kluyveromyces sp., inulinase activity, parameters optimization

This study reveals the selection of a yeast strain, possessing inulinase activity and finding the optimal conditions of cultivation. Intra- and extracellular activity assay was performed after cultivation on media, containing inulin as a sole source of carbon. Optimization of the cultivation conditions was carried out for establishing the favorable conditions for biosynthesis of inulinase. Modifying the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of a cultivation process lead to major improvement of the enzyme activity. Highest intra- and extracellular inulinase activity was registered when 1.5% inulin was used, 5 % inoculum, temperature 28°C, pH=6.5 and agitation of 200rpm. The selected strain Kluyveromyces sp. C showed higher values for the intracellular inulinase activity, making it suitable for immobilization and further use. Key words: Kluyveromyces sp., inulinase activity, parameters optimization