Production of phytase by Mucor racemosus in solid-state fermentation

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Design of Solid-State Fermentation Systems for Polymer Hydrolytic Extracellular Enzyme Production by Filamentous Fungi
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Barbara Bogar1, George Szakacs, Ashok Pandey

  • 1Department of Agricultural Chemical Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111 Budapest, Gellert ter 4, Hungary.

Biotechnology Progress
|April 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994 demonstrated high phytase production via solid-state fermentation (SSF) on coconut oil cake. Supplementation and optimized conditions boosted yields, making the crude enzyme suitable for direct use in animal feed.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Enzyme Technology

Background:

  • Phytase enzymes are crucial for improving phosphorus availability in animal feed.
  • Solid-state fermentation (SSF) offers a sustainable method for enzyme production using agricultural byproducts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen Mucor and Rhizopus strains for optimal phytase production using natural feed ingredients.
  • To optimize SSF conditions for enhanced phytase yield by Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994.
  • To compare phytase, alpha-amylase, and lipase production in SSF versus shake flask fermentation.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of 11 fungal strains (3 Mucor, 8 Rhizopus) for phytase activity on canola meal, coconut oil cake, and wheat bran.
  • Optimization of nutrient supplementation (glucose, casein, ammonium sulfate) for phytase production using Plackett-Burman and central composite designs.
  • Comparative analysis of enzyme production (phytase, alpha-amylase, lipase) between SSF and shake flask (SF) fermentation.

Main Results:

  • Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994 exhibited the highest initial phytase activity (14.5 IU/g DM) on coconut oil cake.
  • Optimized SSF conditions increased phytase production to 26 IU/g DM.
  • SSF resulted in higher phytase activity compared to SF fermentation on a substrate mass basis.

Conclusions:

  • Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994 is a promising candidate for high-yield phytase production through SSF.
  • The optimized SSF process enhances enzyme yield and suggests potential for direct application of the fermented material in animal feed.
  • The food-grade nature of the fungus supports the cost-effective use of the whole SSF product in animal nutrition.

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