Optimization of solid state fermentation conditions for cellulase production by Aspergillus fumigatus

Cellulases are a group of hydrolytic enzymes that have wide industrial applications especially in biomass saccharification for bioethanol production. But, the high cost of enzyme production limits its applicability. The present study was designed for the production of cellulases from low cost, renewable agricultural residues and to optimize the solid state fermentation parameters for maximum production of enzyme by Aspergillus fumigatus. The maximum cellulase production (filter paperase activity of 486.09 nmol min⁻¹g⁻¹ds, CMCase activity of 2482.33 nmol min⁻¹g⁻¹ds, cellobiase activity of 1911.13 nmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ds and xylanase activity of 8.90 μmol min⁻¹g⁻¹ds) was recorded with a mixture of rice straw and soybean pod husk as carbon source and urea as nitrogen source with optimum inoculum concentration of 10⁷ spores ml⁻¹ after 96 h of incubation. The incubation temperature of 40°C and pH of production media at 5.5 was optimum for maximum cellulase production. The results indicated that the suitable growth media and fermentation conditions could be used efficiently for effective production of cellulase.