Abstract

---

This research focuses on isolation and screening of linamarase producing microorganisms for detoxification of cyanide in cassava tubers. Linamarase is the enzyme that breaks down the toxic substance, linamarin (cyanogenic glucoside) in cassava. A total of six microorganisms were isolated and screened. Out of the six isolates, two were able to grow in a medium containing potassium cyanide (KCN) solution (800 ppm) namely Priestia flexa and Pichia kudriavzevii. These were the isolates that gave optical density (OD) readings ≥0.4 after 2 days of incubation. In conclusion, this research provides a useful information on the choice of these microorganisms for linamarase production for detoxification of cyanide in cassava tubers

Keywords: Cassava, cyanide, detoxification, linamarase, screening.