Physiological studies on xylanase production by Penicillium funiculosum on some agricultural wastes

Abstract

Studies were carried out on production of Xylanase enzyme from P. funiculosum NRCE-629 using a number of alkali-treated lignocellulosic wastes as carbon and energy sources as compared to pure xylan polymer. Sugar cane bagasse, rice straw and wheat straw yielded enzyme levels higher than that obtained on pure xylan. Physiological studies on enzyme formation using those three agricultural wastes revealed that optimum enzyme yields are obtained in media containing 2% substrate concentration. The enzyme synthesis was favored in agitated cultures with an air:medium ratio corresponding to 3:2 respectively with inoculum size of 10% (v/v). Further studies using rice straw medium yielded highest enzyme level after five days of aerobic growth at 30 degrees C with initial pH of medium adjusted to 5.0. Results are discussed in the light of possible application.