Statistical Optimisation of Fermentation Process Parameters for the Production of an Alkaline, Thermostable Lipase from an Isolated Strain of Bacillus cereus C7

Abstract

The traditional method for optimisation of process parameters involves varying one factor at a time while keeping the others constant. In contrast, response surface methodology (RSM) is an effective statistical technique for developing, improving and optimising complex process, where all factors can be varied simultaneously. The optimisation of process parameters for the production of a thermostable alkaline extracellular lipase from an isolated strain Bacillus cereus C7 was performed with statistical based experimental design. The optimisation of process parameters viz., aeration, agitation and medium volume in a 5 L bioreactor was attempted using a face centred central composite design (FCCCD) under the response surface methodology. An optimal combination of the parameters was obtained using FCCCD and analysis of data predicted that with aeration 0.8896 vvm, agitation 147.92 rpm and medium volume 2.582 L, the lipase activity from Bacillus cereus C7 will reach 76.5475 IU/ml. Verification of the optimisation showed that lipase production of 77.2333 IU/ml was achieved.