Statistical Optimization of Bioprocess Parameters for Improved Production of L-Asparaginase from Lactobacillus plantarum

L-asparaginase (ASNase), a tetrameric enzyme, holds comprehensive applications in food industries as a reducing agent and pharma industries as an anticancer agent. In this study, we aimed to screen ASNase-producing lactic acid bacteria from cow milk. The statistically designed experiment, Plackett–Burmann design, was employed to screen the most significant media components (L-asparagine, pH and temperature). The Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the screened parameters to enhance the yield of ASNase. Under the optimized conditions viz. 4.8 g/L of L-asparagine, 41.8 °C and pH 7.02, the enzyme yield was found to be 113.3 U/mL/min. The partially purified ASNase showed enzyme activity of 135.8 U/mL/min with molecular weight of 34 kDa. Further, based on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, the potent ASNase-producing strain was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. This study concludes that the cow milk isolate, L. plantarum, could be a potent candidate for producing extracellular ASNase for further applications in food and pharma industrial sectors.