Pectinase production by Aspergillus niger LFP-1 using pomelo peels as substrate: An optimization study using shallow tray system

A local fungal isolate Aspergillus niger LFP-1 produced high level of pectinase activity when cultivated in a plastic shallow tray (15.0×15.0×15.0 cm) system using pomelo peels as a substrate. The highest pectinase production of 78.89 U/g substrate and 3.36 mg glucosamine/g substrate of fungal growth were obtained on the 6 d of cultivation after using all the improved cultural conditions that consisted of 40 g of pomelo peel or equivalent to 0.6 cm of substrate thickness (particle size of 0.75 mm, moisture content of 1:1 ratio) with the addition of inoculums size of 1 ×10 spores/mL, once at every 48 h of mixing frequency and cultivation at room temperature (30±2°C). After improvement of cultural condition, an increment of 51.16% of pectinase production and 8.74% of fungal growth was observed compared to the cultural condition prior to improvement. The results showed that a plastic shallow tray system was suitable for obtaining highest enzyme production in solid state fermentation (SSF), especially in case of the acidic based substrate.