Optimization of xylanase production from penicillium funiculosum using agricultural (Corn cob) waste

Xylanases are the recent breakthroughs in food, feed and pharma industries. Extensive research on xylanases will be beneficial to minimize the economy and high yield to the increased demands of humankind. Xylanases reduce plant cell structural polysaccharide called xylan to its subsequent sugar, xylose. Current study focused on the production and purification of xylanases from a fungal strain penicillium funiculosum taking agricultural waste i.e., corn cob powder as the major carbon source through solid state fermentation. Cation exchanger chromatography (CM Sephadex C-50) was used for fractionation of proteins and purification of xylanases. Approximately 668 Units of xylanase enzymeper gram of Corn Cob powder was produced in solid state fermentation.