The Effects of Bioprocess Parameters on Cellulase Production with Trichoderma viride CMIT35

Abstract

Fungal cellulases are well-studied, and have various applications in industry, health or agriculture. Species of Trichoderma can produce substantial amounts of endoglucanase, exoglucanase (saccharifying cellulases), and some strains are able to produce important quantities of β-glucosidase. A number of fungi were isolated abroad and screened for cellulolytic potential. In this study, the kinetics of cellulase production from an indigenous strain of T. viride CMIT35 is reported. Product formation parameters of different types of cellulases indicate that the studied strain of T. viride is capable of producing important levels of cellulases when grown on Mandels medium with wheat bran as carbon source. Furthermore, it was observed that production of endoglucanase reaches its maximum during exponential phase of growth, while exoglucanase during the stationary phase. Enzyme production by solid-state fermentation was also investigated and found to be more efficient than liquid state fermentation. High production of cellulase was noted at the following parameters for liquid cultures: 4% wheat bran, 5% inoculum, 180 r.p.m. agitation, pH 5; and 60% humidity in the case of solid state fermentation.

Keywords

• cellulase
• culture parameters
• trichoderma viride