Solid state fermentation of Bacillus gottheilii M2S2 in laboratory-scale packed bed reactor for tannase production

Abstract

Production of tannase was performed in packed bed reactor filled with an inert support polyurethane foam (PUF) using Bacillus gottheilii M2S2. The influence of process parameters such as fermentation time (24–72?h), tannic acid concentration (0.5–2.5% w/v), inoculum size (7–12% v/v), and aeration rate (0–0.2?L/min) on tannase production with PUF were analyzed using one variable at a time (OVAT) approach. The outcome of OVAT was optimized by central composite design. Based on the statistical investigation, the proposed mathematical model recommends 1% (w/v) of tannic acid, 10% (v/v) of inoculum size and 0.13?L/min of aeration rate for maximum production (76.57?±?1.25?U/L). The crude enzyme was purified using ammonium sulfate salt precipitation method followed by dialysis. The biochemical properties of partially purified tannase were analyzed and found the optimum pH (4.0), temperature (40?°C) for activity, and K_m (1.077?mM) and V_max (1.11?µM/min) with methyl gallate as a substrate. Based on the SDS-PAGE analysis, tannase exhibited two bands with molecular weights of 57.5 and 42.3?kDa. Briefly, the partially purified tannase showed 4.2 fold increase (63?±?1.60?U/L) in comparison to the submerged fermentation and the production of tannase was validated by using NMR spectrometer.     

Optimization of culture conditions for 1,3-propanediol production from crude glycerol by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Klebsiella pneumoniae</Emphasis> using response surface methodology

To produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) from crude glycerol, cultivation conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on a 2⁵ factorial central composite design (CCD). RSM was adopted to derive a statistical model for the individual and interactive effects of crude glycerol, (NH₄)₂SO₄, pH, cultivation time and temperature on the production of 1,3-PD. Optimal conditions for maximum 1,3-PD production were as follows: crude glycerol, 35 g/L; (NH₄)₂SO₄, 8 g/L; pH, 7.37; cultivation time, 10.8 h; temperature, 36.88°C. Under these optimal conditions, the design expert presented the maximal numerical solution with a predicted 1,3-PD production level of up to 13.74 g/L. The experimental production of 1,3-PD yielded 13.8 g/L, which was in close agreement with the model prediction.     

Statistical media optimization for growth and PHB production from methanol by a methylotrophic bacterium

Media components were optimized by statistical design for cell growth and PHB production of Methylobacterium extorquens DSMZ 1340. Four important components of growth media were optimized by central composite design. The growth increased from an OD = 1.35 for Choi medium as control to an OD = 2.15 for optimal medium. Then media components for PHB production were optimized. Optimization of five important factors was conducted by response surface method. The optimal composition of PHB production medium was found to be at 7.8 (g/L) Na₂HPO₄ · 12H₂O, and surprisingly at zero concentration of (NH₄)₂SO₄, KH₂PO₄, MgSO₄ and MnSO₄. The PHB production was found to be 2.95 (g/L) at this medium. RSM results indicated that a deficiency of nitrogen and magnesium is crucial for PHB accumulation in this microorganism. Also, PHB production was carried out in a 5 L fermentor at the optimum condition which resulted in 9.5 g/L PHB and 15.4 g/L cell dry weight with 62.3% polymer content.     

Identification of Newly Isolated Talaromyces pinophilus and Statistical Optimization of β-Glucosidase Production Under Solid-State Fermentation

Fungi able to degrade agriculture wastes were isolated from different soil samples, rice straw, and compost; these isolates were screened for their ability to produce β-glucosidase. The most active fungal isolate was identified as Talaromyces pinophilus strain EMOO 13-3. The Plackett–Burman design is used for identifying the significant variables that influence β-glucosidase production under solid-state fermentation. Fifteen variables were examined for their significances on the production of β-glucosidase in 20 experimental runs. Among the variables screened, moisture content, Tween 80, and (NH₄)₂SO₄ had significant effects on β-glucosidase production with confidence levels above 90% (p < 0.1). The optimal levels of these variables were further optimized using Box–Behnken statical design. As a result, the maximal β-glucosidase activity is 3648.519 U g^?1, which is achieved at the following fermentation conditions: substrate amount 0.5 (g/250 mL flask), NaNO₃ 0.5 (%), KH₂PO₄ 0.3 (%), KCl 0.02 (%), MgSO₄ · 7H₂O 0.01 (%), CaCl₂ 0.01 (%), yeast extract 0.07 (%), FeSO₄ · 7H₂O 0.0002 (%), Tween 80 0.02 (%), (NH₄)₂SO₄ 0.3 (%), pH 6.5, temperature 25°C, moisture content 1 (mL/g dry substrate), inoculum size 0.5 (mL/g dry substrate), and incubation period 5 days.     

Exoglucanase production by Aspergillus niger grown on wheat bran

β-Exoglucanase production on the lignocellulosic material, wheat bran, by Aspergillus niger under solid state fermentation (SSF) on a laboratory scale was investigated. Different fermentation parameters, such as moisture content, initial pH, temperature, depth of the substrate, and inoculum size on exoglucanase production were optimized. Moisture content of 40 %, pH of 7.0, substrate depth of 1.0 cm, inoculum size of 2?×?10⁶ spores/g of wheat bran, and temperature at 30 °C were optimal for maximum production of exoglucanase. Maximum yields of exoglucanase with 28.60 FPU/g of wheat bran were obtained within 3 days of incubation under optimal conditions.     

Utilization of orange peel,a food industrial waste,in the production of exo-polygalacturonase by pellet forming <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus sojae</Emphasis>

The production of exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) from orange peel (OP), a food industrial waste, using Aspergillus sojae was studied in submerged culture. A simple, low-cost, industrially significant medium formulation, composed of only OP and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (AS) was developed. At an inoculum size of 2.8 × 10³ spores/mL, growth was in the form of pellets, which provided better mixing of the culture broth and higher exo-PG activity. These pellets were successfully used as an inoculum for bioreactors and 173.0 U/mL exo-PG was produced. Fed-batch cultivation further enhanced the exo-PG activity to 244.0 U/mL in 127.5 h. The final morphology in the form of pellets is significant to industrial fermentation easing the subsequent downstream processing. Furthermore, the low pH trend obtained during this fermentation serves an advantage to fungal fermentations prone to contamination problems. As a result, an economical exo-PG production process was defined utilizing a food industrial by-product and producing high amount of enzyme.     

Production of a highly glucose tolerant β-glucosidase by Paecilomyces variotii MG3: optimization of fermentation conditions using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken experimental designs

β-Glucosidases (β-d-glucoside glucohydrolase, 3.2.1.21) are a group of enzymes mainly involved in the hydrolysis of β-glycosidic bonds connecting carbohydrate residues in different classes of β-d glycosides. During cellulose degradation they convert cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides produced by the endo and exoglucanases to glucose. Most of the microbial β-glucosidases are inhibited by glucose. This limits their application in commercial scale cellulose degradation ventures. Solid state fermentation production of a highly glucose tolerant β-glucosidase by a novel isolate of Paecilomyces was optimized using a two step statistical experiment design. In the first step which employed a Plackett–Burman design, the effects of parameters such as moisture, temperature, pH, inoculum concentration, incubation time and different concentrations of (NH₄)₂SO₄, KH₂PO₄, NaCl, peptone and cellobiose were evaluated. The parameters with significant influence on the process were selected and fine tuned in the second step using a Box–Behnken design. The model obtained was validated and a peptone concentration of 2 g/l, inoculum concentration of 1.2 × 10⁶ spores/ml and an incubation period of 96 h were found to be optimum for the maximum production of the enzyme. The optimization resulted in a doubling of the enzyme production by the fungus.     

IMPROVED Candida methylica FORMATE DEHYDROGENASE FERMENTATION THROUGH STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF LOW-COST CULTURE MEDIA

NAD⁺-dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH, EC 1.2.1.2) is of use in the regeneration of NAD(P)H coenzymes, and therefore has strong potential for practical application in chemical and medical industries. A low-cost production of recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) containing FDH from Candida methylica (cmFDH) was optimized in molasses-based medium by using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). The beet molasses as a sole carbon source, (NH₄)₂HPO₄ as a nitrogen and phosphorus source, KH₂PO₄ as a buffer agent, and Mg₂SO₄ · 7H₂O as a magnesium and sulfur source were used as variables in the medium. The optimum medium composition was found to be 34.694 g L^?1 of reducing sugar (equivalent to molasses solution), 8.536 g L^?1 of (NH₄)₂HPO₄, 3.073 g L^?1 of KH₂PO₄, and 1.707 g L^?1 of Mg₂SO₄ · 7H₂O. Molasses-based culture medium increased the yield of cmFDH about three times compared to LB medium. The currently developed media has the potential to be used in industrial bioprocesses with low-cost production.     

He-Ne laser irradiation of folate-producing Candida utilis and optimization of culture conditions under submerged fermentation

In an attempt to obtain a microbial strain with higher yield of folate for industrial applications, we mutated the wild strain Candida utilis Y1.0 using a novel mutagenic process, i.e., irradiation by a helium–neon (He-Ne) laser with an output power of 20 mW and an exposure time of 20 min. The yield of folate in the mutated cells reached 1,102 ng/mL, which was 20.4-fold that of the wild strain. The mutant strain Y3.636 was relatively stable in terms of folate production through eight successive transfers of cultures and batch fermentation in a 3.7-L stirred-tank fermenter. Optimization further increased the yield of the mutant by 110 %, i.e., to 2,314?±?13 ng/mL. The optimal culture conditions for folate production were: cultivation in fermentation culture medium composed of 62.5 g/L glucose, 15 g/L corn liquor, 3 g/L (NH₄)₂SO₄, 3 g/L MgSO₄, and 1 g/L glutamic acid; inoculum size of 9 %; incubation at 28 °C and 196 rpm for 36 h. A time-course study of cell growth and folate production by mutant strain Y3.636 strongly suggested that folate production in C. utilis is growth-associated.     

Optimization of culture conditions for production of cellulases and xylanases by Scytalidium thermophilum using Response Surface Methodology

Summary Scytalidium thermophilum type culture Humicola insolens MTCC 4520 isolated from composting soil was optimized for production of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes (endoglucanase, Avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase, FPase, β-glucosidase, xylanase and mannanase) by solid-state fermentation (SSF). Initial experiments showed that culture medium containing rice straw and wheat bran (1:3) as carbon source prepared in a synthetic basal medium supported maximal enzyme production at 45 °C. Further optimization of enzyme production was carried out using Box-Behnken design of experiments to study the influence of process variables (inoculum level, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and pH) on enzyme production. The response surface plots revealed the conditions for obtaining optimal enzyme levels. The models computed for R ² value ranged between 95% and 98.7% indicating they are appropriate and can be useful to predict the effect of inoculum level, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and pH on enzyme production. Under optimized conditions 62.5 ± 0.50, 23.0 ± 0.58, 3.0 ± 0.50, 151.00 ± 8.194, 196 ± 5.033 and 4.9 ± 0.32 (units/g substrate) of endoglucanase (EG), Avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase (AAEG), FPase, β-glucosidase, xylanase and mannanase were produced, respectively. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of the crude extract showed that S. thermophilum produced six different EG isoforms, of which the EG corresponding to pI values of 8.4, 7.9 and 6.5 showed affinity for Avicel, thereby indicating the presence of a cellulose-binding domain (CBD). Furthermore, seven isoforms of β-glucosidase and ten multiple forms of xylanase distributed over a wide range of pI were also detected.     

Statistical optimization of glucose oxidase production from Aspergillus niger NRC9 under submerged fermentation using response surface methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM), employing the fractional factorial design (FFD) was used to optimize the fermentation medium for the production of glucose oxidase (GOD) from a marine isolate (NRC9) of Aspergillus niger under submerged fermentation. The design was employed by selecting glucose, CaCO_3, ammonium phosphate and MgSO₄ concentrations as model factors by ‘one variable at a time’ experiment. A second-order quadratic model and response surface method showed that the optimum concentrations (g/l) glucose, 100; CaCO₃, 25; (NH₄)₂HPO₄, 1.8 and 0.4 of MgSO₄, resulted in an improvement of GOD production (170?±?0.88 U/ml) as compared to the initial level (109.81?±?1.38 U/ml) after four days of incubation at 200 rpm and 30 °C, whereas its predicted value obtained by the quadratic model was 164.36 U/ml. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination value (R ²) of 0.967, ensuring a satisfactory adjustment of the quadratic model with the experimental data. This is the first report on production of glucose oxidase from a marine fungal isolate, Aspergillus niger NRC9, using statistical experimental design and response surface methodology in optimization of its production under submerged fermentation.     

Optimization of parameters for improvement of phenol degradation by Rhodococcus UKMP-5M using response surface methodology

Phenol is a toxic compound and is one of the major pollutants contained in the waste water from petroleum and its downstream industries. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize medium composition and culture condition for enhancement of growth of Rhodococcus UKMP-5M and phenol degradation rate in shake flask cultures. Phenol and (NH₄)₂SO₄ concentrations as well as temperature were the most significant factors that influenced growth and phenol degradation. Central composite design (CCD) was used for optimization of these parameters with growth, and degradation rates were used as the responses. Cultivation with 0.5 g/L phenol and 0.3 g/L (NH₄)₂SO₄ and incubation at 36 °C greatly enhanced growth of Rhodococcus UKMP-5M, where the final cell concentration increased from 0.117 g/L to 0.376 g/L. On the other hand, the degradation rate was greatly increased in cultivation with 0.7 g/L phenol and 0.4 g/L (NH₄)₂SO₄ and incubation at 37 °C. In this cultivation, the time taken to degrade 1 g/L phenol in the culture was reduced from 48 h to 27 h. The model for both responses was found significant and the predicted values were found to be in a good agreement with experimental values and subsequently validated. Increases in phenol degradation rate during Rhodococcus UKMP-5M cultivation corresponded well with increasing phenol hydroxylase activity.     

Polyurethane foam as an inert carrier for the production of L(+)-lactic acid by Lactobacillus casei under solid-state fermentation

AIM: Production of L-lactic acid in solid-state fermentation (SSF) using polyurethane foam (PUF) as inert support moistened with cassava bagasse starch hydrolysate. METHODS AND RESULTS: PUF impregnated with cassava bagasse starch hydrolysate as major carbon source was used for the production of L-lactic acid using Lactobacillus casei in solid-state condition. The key parameters such as reducing sugar, inoculum size and nutrient mixture were optimized by statistical approach using response surface methodology. More than 95% conversion of sugars to lactic acid from 4 g reducing sugar per gram dry support was attained after 72 h when the inert substrate was moistened with 6.5 ml of nutrient solution and inoculated with 1.5 x 10(9) CFU of L. casei. While considering the lactate yield based on the solid support used, a very high yield of 3.88 g lactic acid per gram PUF was achieved. CONCLUSION: PUF acted as an excellent inert support for L. casei and provided a platform for the utilization of starchy waste hydrolysate in a lower reactor volume. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is a cost effective cultivation of lactic acid bacteria for producing lactic acid from agro based waste products such as cassava bagasse. This is the first report on the exploitation of PUF as an inert support for lactate production under SSF.     

Efficient conversion of high concentration of glycerol to Monacolin K by solid-state fermentation of Monascus purpureus using bagasse as carrier

High concentration of glycerol was used as the sole carbon source for efficient production of Monacolin K (MK) by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of Monascus purpureus 9901 using agricultural residue (bagasse), as an inert carrier. A comparative study showed that MK production in SSF was about 5.5 times higher than that of submerged fermentation when 26 % of glycerol was used, which may be due to the formation of glycerol concentration gradients in the inert carrier and less catabolite repression in SSF. For enhancement of MK yield in SSF, the effects of different influential variables, such as glycerol concentration, nitrogen source and its concentration, initial moisture content, inoculum size and particle size of bagasse, were systematically examined. All the factors mentioned above had an effect on the MK production in SSF to some extent. The maximal yield of MK (12.9 mg/g) was achieved with 26 % glycerol, 5 % soybean meal, 51 % initial moisture content, 20 % inoculum size and 1 mm particle size of bagasse. The results in this study may expand our understanding on the application of SSF using agricultural residue as carrier for production of useful microbial metabolites, especially the efficient conversion of high concentration of glycerol to MK by Monascus purpureus.     

Production of green biodegradable plastics of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from renewable resources of agricultural residues

This work describes potential opportunities for utilization of agro-industrial residues to produce green biodegradable plastics of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Wheat straws were examined with good efficacy of carbon substrates using Cupriavidus necator. Production was examined in separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) in the presence and absence of WS hydrolysis enzymes, and in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with enzymes. Results showed that production of PHB in SSF was more efficient in terms of viable cell count, cell dry weight, and PHB production and yield compared to those of SHF and glucose-control cultures. While glucose control experiment produced 4.6 g/L PHB; SSF produced 10.0 g/L compared to 7.1 g/L in SHF when utilizing enzymes during WS hydrolysis. Results showed that most of sugars produced during the hydrolysis were consumed in SHF (~98 %) compared to 89.2 % in SSF. Results also demonstrated that a combination of glucose and xylose can compensate for the excess carbon required for enhancing PHB production by C. necator. However, higher concentration of sugars at the beginning of fermentation in SHF can lead to cell inhibition and consequently catabolite repressions. Accordingly, results demonstrated that the gradual release of sugars in SSF enhanced PHB production. Moreover, the presence of sugars other than glucose and xylose can eliminate PHB degradation in medium of low carbon substrate concentrations in SSF.     

INVESTIGATION OF THE GIBBERELLIC ACID OPTIMIZATION WITH A STATISTICAL TOOL FROM Penicillium variable IN BATCH REACTOR

The culture conditions for gibberellic acid (GA₃) production by the fungus Penicillium variable (P. variable) was optimized using a statistical tool, response surface methodology (RSM). Interactions of culture conditions and optimization of the system were studied using Box–Behnken design (BBD) with three levels of three variables in a batch flask reactor. Experimentation showed that the model developed based on RSM and BBD had predicted GA₃ production with R ²  = 0.987. The predicted GA₃ production was optimum (31.57 mg GA₃/kg substrate) when the culture conditions were at 7 days of incubation period, 21% v/w of inoculum size, and 2% v/w of olive oil concentration as a natural precursor. The results indicated that RSM and BBD methods were effective for optimizing the culture conditions of GA₃ production by P. variable mycelia.     

Isolation of microorganisms able to produce 1,3-propanediol and optimization of medium constituents for Klebsiella pneumoniae AJ4

Microbial fermentation under anaerobic and microaerobic conditions has been used for the production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), a monomer used to produce polymers such as polytrimethylene terephthalate. In this study, we screened microorganisms using the high throughput screening method and isolated the Klebsiella pneumoniae AJ4 strain, which is able to produce 1,3-PD under aerobic conditions. To obtain the maximum 1,3-PD concentration from glycerol, the response surface methodology based on a central composite design was chosen to show the statistical significance of the effects of glycerol, peptone, and (NH₄)₂SO₄ on 1,3-PD production by K. pneumoniae AJ4. The optimal culture medium factors for achieving maximum concentrations of 1,3-PD included glycerol, 108.5 g/L; peptone, 2.72 g/L; and (NH₄)₂SO_4, 4.38 g/L. Under this optimum condition, the maximum concentration of 1,3-PD, 54.76 g/L, was predicted. A concentration of about 52.59 g/L 1,3-PD was obtained using the optimized medium during 26-h batch fermentation, a finding that agreed well with the predicted value.     

Enrichment of laccase production by Phoma herbarum isolate KU4 under solid-state fermentation by optimizing RSM coefficients using genetic algorithm

The process parameters were optimized to obtain enhanced enzyme activity from the fungus Phoma herbarum isolate KU4 using rice straw and saw dust as substrate under solid-state fermentation using Response surface methodology (RSM). Genetic algorithm was used to validate the RSM for maximum laccase production. Six variables, viz., pH of the media, initial moisture content, copper sulphate concentration, concentration of tannic acid, inoculum concentration and incubation time were found to be effective and optimized for enhanced production. Maximum laccase production was achieved by RSM at pH 5·0 and 86% of initial moisture content of the culture medium, 150 µmol l⁻¹ of CuSO₄, 1·5% tannic acid and 0·128 g inoculum g⁻¹ dry substrate inoculum size on the fourth day of fermentation. The highest laccase activity was observed as 79 008 U g⁻¹, which is approximately sixfold enhanced production compared to the unoptimized condition (12 085·26 U g⁻¹).     

Optimization of phytase production by solid substrate fermentation

The production of phytase by three feed-grade filamentous fungi (Aspergillus ficuum NRRL 3135, Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994 and Rhizopus oligosporus NRRL 5905) on four commonly used natural feed ingredients (canola meal, cracked corn, soybean meal, wheat bran) was studied in solid substrate fermentation (SSF). A. ficuum NRRL 3135 had the highest yield [15 IU phytase activity/g dry matter (DM)] on wheat bran. By optimizing the supplementation of wheat bran with starch and (NH₄)₂SO₄, phytase production increased to 25 IU/g DM. Optimization was carried out by Plackett-Burman and central composite experimental designs. Using optimized medium, phytase, phosphatase, alpha-amylase and xylanase production by A. ficuum NRRL 3135 was studied in Erlenmeyer flask and tray SSF. By scaling up SSF from flasks to stationary trays, activities of 20 IU phytase activity/g DM were reproducibly obtained. Electronic Publication     

2-phenylethanol (rose aroma) production potential of an isolated pichia kudriavzevii through solid-state fermentation

2-phenylethanol (2-PE) is a higher alcohol widely used in industry that can be obtained by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using low-cost raw materials. This report describes the 2-PE production potential of an indigenous Pichia kudriavzevii isolated from solid-state fermented sugarcane bagasse that possesses attractive characteristics for processing waste streams such as its low-pH tolerance, high growth rate and temperature resistance. Besides, 2-PE production was optimized in batch-SSF using sugarcane bagasse supplemented with l-phenylalanine as substrate. Full factorial design allowed identifying the pH adjustment, micronutrient addition, inoculum and co-substrate load effects, and response surface methodology served to identify the maximum production based on temperature, initial moisture content (MC₀) and specific airflow rate (S_AFR). While the pH adjustment and micronutrient addition did not affect the 2-PE production, temperature and MC₀ resulted critical for the process. After optimization, the maximum 2-PE content was 27.2 ± 0.2 mg per gram of dry substrate at 31 °C, 76 % MC₀ and 0.129 L h⁻¹ g⁻¹ S_AFR. This result was 23.8 % higher than the sub-optimal condition, and it is the highest 2-PE production via SSF reported so far. These results confirm the ability of P. kudriavzevii for producing 2-PE, and its potential for using waste streams as substrate.