Endoxylanase production from the solid state fermentation of Mustard pod husk by Penicillium janthinellum

Abstract

With an aim to dispose huge amount of mustard pod husk generated after oil seed extraction in an economical way, it was used as the sole carbon source in a fed batch culture of a locally isolated strain of Penicillium janthinellum for the production of endoxylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) on solidâ€state fermentation. The influence of mustard pod husk concentration, cultivation temperature, initial pH, moisture content, organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, surfactants and metal ions were evaluated with respect to endoxylanase production. Attempts were also made to increase the enzyme production by acid and alkali pretreatment of the husk. The hyperproductive strain showed highest endoxylanase production at 72nd h with a temperature and pH optima of 27°C and 6.0 respectively. Inorganic nitrogen sources were proved to have better enhancing effect for enzyme production than the organic sources. Mild alkali treatment made the husk more accessible for the fungal degradation. Ultrafiltered enzyme showed a temperature and pH optima 60°C and 6 respectively and about 80% of the enzyme activity was found to be retained at 60°C for 10 min and at a broad pH range of 4â€9.