Response surface optimization of fermentation conditions for producing xylanase by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">niger</Emphasis> SL-05

Fermentation conditions were statistically optimized for producing extracellular xylanase by Aspergillus niger SL-05 using apple pomace and cotton seed meal. The primary study shows that culture medium with a 1:1 ratio of apple pomace and cotton seed meal (carbon and nitrogen sources) yielded maximal xylanase activity. Three significant factors influencing xylanase production were identified as urea, KH(2)PO(4), and initial moisture content using Plackett-Burman design study. The effects of these three factors were further investigated using a design of rotation-regression-orthogonal combination. The optimized conditions by response surface analysis were 2.5% Urea, 0.09% KH(2)PO(4), and 62% initial moisture content. The analysis of variance indicated that the established model was significant (P < 0.05), "while" or "and" the lack of fit was not significant. Under the optimized conditions, the model predicted 4,998 IU/g dry content, whereas validation experiments produced an enzymatic activity of xylanase at 5,662 IU/g dry content after 60 h fermentation. This study innovatively developed a fermentation medium and process to utilize inexpensive agro-industrial wastes to produce a high yield of xylanase.