Microbial production of gallic acid by modified solid state fermentation

Bioconversion of tannin to gallic acid from powder of teri pod (Caesalpinia digyna) cover was achieved by the locally isolated fungus, Rhizopus oryzae, in a bioreactor with a perforated float for carrying solid substrate and induced inoculum. Modified Czapek-Dox medium, put beneath the perforated float, with 2% tannic acid at pH 4.5, temperature 32°C, 93% relative humidity, incubated for 3 days with 3-day-old inoculum was optimum for the synthesis of tannase vis-à-vis gallic acid production. Conversion of tannin to gallic acid was 90.9%. Diethyl ether was used as the solvent for extraction of gallic acid from the fermented biomass. Received 14 December 1998/ Accepted in revised form 17 June 1999