Estimation of cellulase production by Aureobasidium pullulans, Neurospora crassa, and Trichoderma reesei during solid and submerged state fermentation of raw and processed canola meal

Abstract

In this study, cellulase, endoglucanase, and β-glucosidase activity produced by three fungal strains (Aureobasidium pullulans, Neurospora crassa and Trichoderma reesei) were determined on three differently processed canola substrates [hexane extracted canola meal (HECM), washed HECM (WHECM), and canola seed sprout meal (CSM)] in mono- and co-culture fermentation under solid- and submerged- state processes. Results showed that the co-culture inoculation yielded better results as compared to the monocultures except for T. reesei which yielded the highest β-glucosidase activity in WHECM (440.02 U/g). Co-culture of A. pullulans + N. crassa had the highest cellulase activity in CSM (1.89 FPU/g), and WHECM (1.22 FPU/g); and the maximal endoglucanase activity at (HECM, 2.67 U/g), (CSM, 3.69 U/g) and (WHECM, 3.21 U/g). These results highlight the impact of various conditions on microbial enzymatic activities, and the need of strategically designed fermentation process for optimal cellulase activities to achieve maximal fiber degradation in canola meal.