Related Experiment Videos
Polygalacturonase production by Aspergillus awamori on wheat in solid-state fermentation
A Blandino1, T Iqbalsyah, S S Pandiella
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain. s.pandiella@umist.ac.uk
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|March 6, 2002
Summary
Aspergillus awamori produces exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) and endo-PG on wheat. Glucose represses exo-PG, but not endo-PG. Optimal moisture content enhances pectinase yield.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Enzyme Technology
- Microbial Fermentation
Background:
- Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a key biotechnological process.
- Aspergillus awamori is a known producer of pectinases.
- Pectinases have diverse industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production of exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) and endo-PG by Aspergillus awamori.
- To determine the influence of substrate properties and fermentation conditions on enzyme production.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state fermentation of wheat by Aspergillus awamori.
- Enzyme activity assays for exo-PG and endo-PG.
- Analysis of substrate particle size, chemical composition, and moisture content.
Main Results:
- Both endo- and exo-PG activities were detected after 24 hours.
- Glucose from starch hydrolysis repressed exo-PG but not endo-PG production.
- Higher moisture content (60%) yielded more pectinases.
Conclusions:
- Substrate characteristics influence enzyme production kinetics but not maximum yield.
- Optimized moisture content is crucial for maximizing pectinase production by A. awamori in SSF.