Medium optimization for protopectinase production by batch culture of <i.Aspergillus terreus</i>

Abstract

Optimization of medium compositions for protopectinase production by Aspergillus terreus in submerged culture was carried out. The medium components having  significant effect on protopectinase production were reported to be sucrose, yeast extracts and ammonium acetate by the Plackett-Burman design. Subsequently, the concentrations of the three factors were optimized using central composite design in response surface methodology. As a result, a quadratic model was found to fit for protopectinase production. The optimal medium compositions were determined as follows (g/L): sucrose 129.7, yeast extracts 9.90, ammonium acetate 6.0, and protopectinase activity reached the maximum value of 41.30 U/ml in the optimal medium.

Key words: Aspergillus terreus, protopectinase, medium optimization, Plackett-Burman design, central composite design.