Optimization of process parameters for L- methioninase production in Solid state fermentation by Aspergillus flavipes from Sesame oil cake

L-methioninase has received much attention for its tumor selective anticancer activity. This study investigates the production and optimization of extracellular L-methioninase enzyme using several agro-industrial residues by Aspergillus flavipes MTCC 6337 using SSF (solid state fermentation). Effect of process variables namely substrates, incubation period, temperature, moisture content, inoculum volume, initial pH, supplementary carbon and nitrogen source concentration and metal ions on the production of L-methioninase was studied one factor-a-time and accordingly, optimum conditions were determined. A. flavipes MTCC 6337 was cultured in sesame oil cake to produce Lmethioninase. The organism produced high levels of L-methioninase under optimized culture conditions on the 8th day of incubation at an optimum temperature 30°C, moisture content 60% (v/w), inoculum volume 3 ml and pH 8.0, by SSF. Enhanced production occurred on the addition of 1% (w/v) glucose, 0.8% (w/v) Lmethionine and MnSO4 as nutritional factors.