Application of Plackett-burman Design to Evaluate Media Components Affecting Antioxidant Activity of an Endophytic Fungi Penicillium Sp. Isolated from Bark of Aegle Marmelos

Antioxidants are molecules that scavenge or neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are generated in human body during normal physiological processes and have implications on various human diseases. Endophytic fungi from medicinal plants are gaining tremendous impetus as potential source of antioxidant compounds. In this studyPlackett-Burman design was used to evaluate the media components affecting antioxidant activity of an endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from bark of Aegle marmelos. Antioxidant activity was assayed by different procedures and was compared for correlation (if any) with total phenolic content. The screening results from the Plackett-Burman design revealed sucrose and NaNO3 to be the most significant in influencing antioxidant activity.This study therefore, highlights the determination of the media components, using the Plackett-Burman design, affecting the antioxidant activity of an endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. and also paves the way for future studies on optimization of the media components for enhancement of antioxidant activity of this endophyte.