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Lipase production by Aspergillus ibericus using olive mill wastewater
Luís Abrunhosa1, Felisbela Oliveira, Danielle Dantas
1Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Novel fungus Aspergillus ibericus effectively decolorizes olive mill wastewater (OMW) and produces lipase. This study highlights OMW as a sustainable medium for enzyme production and waste valorization.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Industrial Enzymes
Background:
- Olive mill wastewater (OMW) presents environmental challenges due to its high organic load.
- OMW is a potential resource for microbial cultivation and production of high-value compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Aspergillus ibericus for decolorizing OMW.
- To evaluate the lipase production by A. ibericus using OMW as a culture medium.
- To assess the impact of OMW concentration and nutrient supplementation on fungal performance.
Main Methods:
- Screening of Aspergillus ibericus strains on OMW-based agar media.
- Fermentation experiments in liquid OMW-based media in flasks and a 2-L bioreactor.
- Analysis of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, phenolic, and aromatic compound reduction.
- Quantification of lipase production.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus ibericus demonstrated significant OMW decolorization (up to 97%) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction (up to 45%) in flask cultures.
- Lipase production reached 2,927 U/L in flask cultures and was significantly enhanced to 8,319 U/L in a 2-L bioreactor.
- Mineral nutrient addition promoted lipase production, and diluted OMW (10%) showed reduction in phenolic (37%) and aromatic (39%) compounds.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus ibericus is a promising microorganism for OMW treatment and lipase biosynthesis.
- OMW can be effectively utilized as a cost-effective substrate for industrial enzyme production.
- Scale-up in bioreactors significantly enhances lipase yield, indicating industrial applicability.
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