Production of cellulase by freely suspended and immobilized cells of Trichoderma reesei

Trichoderma reesei (QM 9123) was immobilized within the open porous network of reticulated polyurethane foam matrices, and the growth pattern, glucose consumption and cellulase production were compared with those of freely suspended cells. It was found that the method of immobilization was simple and had no detrimental effect on cell activity. Various production media, to be used after the cultivation of T. reesei were tried. It was found that a nitrogen source-free production medium gave the highest enzyme titers of 1.5 × 10³ FPA U l⁻¹. Similar results were obtained with both freely suspended and immobilized cells.