Phytase production by Aspergillus niger var. phoenicis URM 4924 using factorial planning

Abstract

Phytates represent a complex class of natural occurring compounds formed during the maturation process of seeds and grains, the main storage form of phosphorus in vegetables. The phytate molecule is a major anti-nutritional factor for monogastrics animals, possessing in their structure highly ionizable groups orthophosphate, which affect the availability of minerals in the gastrointestinal tract. Phytases form a group of enzymes with the ability to release phosphorus bound to phytate molecule, with the aim of increasing the utilization of phosphorus for absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters of the medium, such as the concentration of nitrogen and carbon source in the production of phytase by Aspergillus niger var. phoenicis URM 4924, using a factorial design. To evaluate the influence of parameters of the culture medium in the production of phytase was carried out factorial design and response surface methodology. The best conditions for production of phytase (8.80 U/mL) in submerged fermentation by A. niger var. phoenicis URM 4924 were 1.25% of the carbon source (rice bran) and 3.0% nitrogen source (corn steep liquor). A. niger var. phoenicis URM 4924 has potential for biotechnological production of phytase can be added to feed non-ruminant animals, thus contributing to the increased use of nutrients and production rates.