A Mini Review On L-asparaginase : Properties & Applications

L-asparaginase is a vital enzyme used in chemotherapeutic treatment against acute lymphoblastic (ALL) , Hodgkins lymphoma etc. The ability of L-asparaginase  to convert essential amino acid L-asparagine (for tumor cells) into L-aspartic acid & ammonia , has made it an altogether a drug of choice for remmision of malignancies of lymphoid system.

         The other major application of L-asparaginase is its  prospective  use in food industry  as a mitigating agent. The addition of L-asparaginase before heating of starchy foods minimizes the risk of formation of acrylamide (a  carcinogenic agent) & hence restricts its consequent intake. The acrylamide formed is converted into simple amino acids such as L-aspartic acid which is a necessary component in the foods. Apart from application in medicine & food industry , L-asparaginase has also been used efficiently as a biosensor. The distinction between normal cells & leukemic cells can be identified through L-asparaginase biosensors.  Various organisms, including a few plants, animals, fungi, micro-organisms produce L-asparaginase. The physico-chemical properties, kinetic properties, optimum pH, temperature , molecular weights, differ from organism to organism. The present review is therefore, an attempt to  highlight various sources of  L-asparaginases, its applications, purification methods, optimizing conditions for production of L-asparaginases, kinetic properties & strategies employed for obtaining  recombinant L-asparaginases.