Screening of microfungi for lipolytic activity and optimization of process parameters in lipase production by solid substrate fermentation using selected microfungi (Penicillium aurantiogriseum)

Abstract

In the present study, eighty-four strains of microfungi were screened for lipolytic activity, and Penicillium aurantiogriseum showing the highest enzyme activity was selected. Then extracellular lipase production from this species was carried out using the solid state fermentation (SSF) method, in which various agricultural wastes were used as substrates. Among the various agricultural wastes used in SSF, sunflower pulp was determined as the best solid substrate. Optimum fermentation conditions were found as follows: 6-day incubation time at 25 oC and moisturizing liquid pH: 5.5 (distilled water), initial moisture level 75% (w/v), initial inoculum concentration 1 ml (1x106 spores/ml), and 1% sesame oil as a carbon source. As a result of the optimum conditions, the volume activity was recorded as 0.4 U/ml, and the specific enzyme activity was obtained as 1.13 U/mg.