Optimization of Cultural Parameters for Cellulase Enzyme Production from Fungi

The objective of this study is to reduce the production cost of cellulase by optimizing the production medium and using an alternative carbon source such as agricultural solid waste residue. Present studies describe the optimization of process parameters for the production of cellulases by different fungal species. The fermentation experiments were carried out in shake flasks. Maximum production of cellulases (0.63 U/ml) was observed after a fermentation period of 72 hrs at an temperature of 40° C. Initial pH of the culture medium was also optimized and a pH of 5 was found to support maximum growth and enzyme production (0.9 U/ml) by A. niger. Different inorganic nitrogen sources and carbon sources were evaluated for the production of cellulases and ammonium sulphate in case of nitrogen and glucose among carbon sources was found to be the best. Agrobased coconut cake waste gave the best production of cellulases. Cellulase production from A. niger and Penicillium sp can be an advantage as the enzyme production rate is normally higher as compared to other fungi.