Production of xylanolytic enzymes by Aspergillus tamarii in solid state fermentation

Abstract

Three agricultural wastes were evaluated for xylanolytic enzymes production by Aspergillus tamarii in solid state fermentation. A high production of xylanase and β-xylosidase was obtained in all waste materials. A high proteolytic activity was co-produced in wheat bran cultures, while a low proteolytic activity was detected in corn cob and sugar cane bagasse cultures. Optimal initial moisture contents for xylanolytic enzyme production were 86%, 80% and 75%, respectively to wheat bran, corn cob and sugar cane bagasse cultures. The addition of xylan or β-methyl-xyloside in the cultures increased considerably the production of both xylanase and β-xylosidase without increasing the production of protease. Neither heating, alkali nor hydrogen peroxide treatment of the milled substrate caused further improvement in enzyme production.