Extractive cultivation of xylanase by Penicillium janthinellum in a poly(ethylene glycol)/cashew-nut tree gum aqueous two-phase system

Cultivation of the fungus Penicillium janthinellum for xylanase production was studied in a poly(ethylene glycol)/cashew-nut tree gum aqueous two-phase system, using a two-level fractional factorial design. The parameters studied were initial pH, cultivation time, type of agro-industrial residue (oat husk or corn cob), agitation, temperature, and phase-forming polymers. The xylanase produced during fermentation partitioned into the top phase. The agitation and temperature (negative), cultivation time and initial pH (positive) effects proved statistically significant for xylanase production. The highest percentage yield of the xylanase in the top and its production in the top phase, about 97% and 160.7 U/mL, were obtained in cultures of 120 h, 40 rpm, 25 degrees C, and pH 5.0.