Fungal Lipase Production by Solid-State Fermentation

Abstract

Lipases are one of the most promising enzymes in the chemical and biopharmaceutical industries. Numerous applications have been reported including fine chemistry, detergents formulation and biodiesel synthesis. Lipases are commonly produced by a wide variety of yeasts and filamentous fungi in submerged fermentation or solid-state fermentation. Filamentous fungi and yeasts usually behave more efficiently in solid-state fermentation and show greater productivities when compared to submerged fermentation. Although filamentous fungi adequately growth in solid-state fermentation, there are some limitations for cultivating them by this process. Here, a review is made about lipase production in solid-state fermentation. This includes the analysis of solid-state fermentation as a promising technology, characterization of growth media and ambient factors such as moisture, pH and temperature.