Production of tannase under solid-state fermentation and its application in detannification of guava juice

Guava juice is known to be rich in antioxidant activity due a high level of vitamins A and C. However, tannins present in the guava juice form tannin-protein complexes that affect the utilization of vitamins and minerals and inhibit digestive enzymes. Beside this, bitterness and cloudiness are the other major problems of juice industries. The present study aimed to utilize a low-cost substrate (tea residue) for the production of tannase and its application in detannification of guava juice. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) was evaluated to produce tannase from Aspergillus niger. Maximum tannase (1.86 U/g dry substrate) production was observed at 30°C after 96 hr of the incubation period. The optimum pH of the moistening agent was found to be 5.0. Partially purified enzyme using ammonium sulfate precipitation was subjected to guava juice treatment at a level of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% for 30 and 60 min. Decrease in tannic acid content of guava juice was found to be 17.60, 29.04, and 44.38% after 30 min and 40.59, 53.69, and 59.23% after 60 min, respectively.