Phytase production under solid state fermentation utilizing polyurethane foam as inert support and its application in bread fortification

The present study was conducted to produce the enzyme phytase by solid state fermentation (SSF) method using polymeric urethane foam (PUF), which served as a reliable solid support for the phytase producing fungus A. niger NCIM 563. Total phytase production was found to be 3 600U on the 4^th day of fermentation with 1 g PUF and 25 mL liquid media. After three successive cycles of fermentation, the production reached to 5000U. The phytase thus produced was applied for bread making process as it brokedown the phytic acid of the flour leading to dephytinization and augmentation of soluble mineral content of bread up to 90%