Microbial transglutaminase (MTG) is an enzyme widely used in the food industry because it creates cross-links between proteins, enhancing the texture and stability of food products. Its unique properties make it a valuable tool for modifying the functional characteristics of proteins, significantly impacting the quality and innovation of food products. In this study, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the fermentation conditions for microbial transglutaminase production by the strain Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum KKP 1658. The effects of nitrogen dose, cultivation time, and initial pH on the activity of the produced transglutaminase were investigated. The significance of the examined factors was determined as follows: cultivation time > nitrogen dose > pH. The interaction between nitrogen dose and cultivation time was found to be crucial, having the second most significant impact on transglutaminase activity. Optimal conditions were identified as 48 h of cultivation with a 2% nitrogen source dose and an initial medium pH of approximately 6.0. Under these conditions, transglutaminase activity ranged from 4.5 to 5.5 U/mL. The results of this study demonstrated that response surface methodology is a promising approach for optimizing microbial transglutaminase production. Future applications of transglutaminase include the development of modern food products with improved texture and nutritional value, as well as its potential use in regenerative medicine for creating biomaterials and tissue scaffolds. This topic is particularly important and timely as it addresses the growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in the food and biomedical industries, contributing to an improved quality of life.
