Screening of Important Factors for Xylanase and Cellulase Production from the Fungus C. cinerea RM-1 NFCCI-3086 through Plackett-Burman Experimental Design

Abstract

A Plackett-Burman design was employed to evaluate the effect of different culture conditions associated with xylanase and cellulase production by the fungus C. cinerea RM-1 NFCCI 3086 using agro-residues as substrate. Eight variables were assessed for their significance on xylanase and cellulase production under solid state fermentation. The optimal culture conditions for xylanase production were developed by maintaining the variables of temperature, incubation period, substrate concentration, particle size, inoculum size, and inoculum age at their higher levels, while keeping pH and moisture ratio at their lower levels. For cellulase production, temperature, incubation period, substrate concentration, inoculum size, and inoculum age were fixed at their higher levels, and pH, particle size, and moisture level were kept at their lower levels. Of the eight variables, temperature, incubation period, and pH had significant influence on xylanase and cellulase production. These three variables can be further optimized for increased enzyme production.