The thermotolerant fungus, Aspergillus niger NCIM 563, was used for production of extracellular phytase on agricultural residues: wheat bran, mustard cake, cowpea meal, groundnut cake, coconut cake, cotton cake and black bean flour in solid state fermentation (SSF). Maximum enzyme activity (108 U g−1 dry mouldy bran, DMB) was obtained with cowpea meal. During the fermentation phytic acid was hydrolysed completely with a corresponding increase in biomass and phytase activity within 7 days. Phosphate in the form of KH2PO4 (10 mg per 100 g of agriculture residue) increased phytase activity. Among various surfactants added to SSF, Trition X-100 (0.5%) exhibited a 30% increase in phytase activity. The optimum pH and temperature of the crude enzyme were 5.0 and 50°C respectively. Phytase activity (86%) was retained in buffer of pH 3.5 for 24 h. The enzyme retained 75% of its activity on incubation at 55°C for 1 h. In the presence of 1 mM K+ and Zn2+, 95% and 55% of the activity were retained. Scanning electron microscopy showed a high density growth of fungal mycelia on wheat bran particles during SSF. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 237–243.
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Received 07 June 1999/ Accepted in revised form 18 December 1999
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Mandviwala, T., Khire, J. Production of high activity thermostable phytase from thermotolerant Aspergillus niger in solid state fermentation. J Ind Microbiol Biotech 24, 237–243 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.2900811
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.2900811