Background and purpose: L-asparaginase is a well-known enzyme that is used as one of the most effective anti-leukemic drugs. Considering that the asparaginases used as antitumor are bacterial-based enzymes, the aim of this study was to find indigenous potential bacteria producing asparaginase.

Materials and methods: The enzyme producing bacteria was isolated from the agricultural soils around Gharchak, Tehran province, Iran. Screenings were performed on nutrient agar and M9 agar, respectively. The most efficient bacterium having asparaginase activity was selected and identified by biochemical and phylogenetic methods. Asparaginase activity was assayed by Nesslerization method. Optimization of the enzyme production was conducted by assessment of some factors such as the effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, salt concentration, pH, temperature and agitation.

Results: The selected bacterium was identified as a strain of staphylococcus that was named MGM1.The optimal conditions for enzyme activity was obtained at following conditions: 1% glucose as carbon source and 0.5 g/l beef extract as nitrogen source, without salt (NaCl) at pH range of 7-8 with shaking 120 rpm at 35 ^◦C.

Conclusion: The optimal activity for the enzyme produced by MGM1 was similar to physiological conditions of human body, therefore, further studies on this enzyme would be of great value in finding a new efficient asparginase enzyme.