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Published on: August 9, 2024
Successive membrane separation processes simplify concentration of lipases produced by Aspergillus niger by
Christian Oliveira Reinehr1, Helen Treichel2, Marcus Vinicius Tres2
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, Caixa Postal 743, CEP 99709-910, Erechim, RS, Brazil. reinehr@upf.br.
This study presents a simplified method for producing and concentrating lipases from Aspergillus niger using solid-state fermentation and membrane filtration. This approach enhances enzyme activity and simplifies downstream processing for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Enzyme Technology
- Bioprocess Engineering
Background:
- Lipases are crucial enzymes with diverse industrial applications.
- Agro-industrial residues are abundant, low-cost substrates for microbial fermentation.
- Efficient downstream processing is vital for cost-effective enzyme production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified method for lipase production, separation, and concentration.
- To utilize Aspergillus niger for lipase synthesis via solid-state fermentation of agro-industrial residues.
- To optimize membrane separation processes for enzyme recovery.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger on agro-industrial residues.
- Sequential membrane filtration: microfiltration (20- and 0.45-µm) and ultrafiltration (100- and 50-kDa).
- Analysis of permeate flux and fouling reversibility during filtration.
Main Results:
- Achieved high enzymatic activity in lipase concentrates, significantly exceeding initial extract levels.
- Maintained high permeate flux (>60 L/m² h) throughout microfiltration and ultrafiltration.
- Demonstrated reversible fouling, indicating effective membrane cleaning is possible.
Conclusions:
- Solid-state fermentation with A. niger is feasible for lipase production from agro-industrial residues.
- Tangential membrane filtration offers a simplified and efficient method for lipase separation and concentration.
- The developed process streamlines downstream processing for industrial lipase recovery.
