Comparative analysis of optimal endoglucanase production by Trichoderma reesei and intergeneric fusants of Trichoderma reesei Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Intergeneric fusants of Trichoderma reesei QM 9414/Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3288 developed in the authors' laboratory can convert cellulosic materials directly to ethanol in a single step process. The production of endoglucanase in this case is a key factor. The production profile of this enzyme by the intergeneric fusants is different from Trichoderma reesei QM 9414 (WT). The production of endoglucanase was studied seperately by Trichoderma reesei (WT) using optimal production medium which was designed as per the combined screening approach of Plackett-Burman followed by a central composite experimental plan and the intergeneric fusants using optimal production medium obtained by Box-Behnken optimization procedure. Dried grass was used as the cellulosic substance whose concentration was kept constant during the statistical optimization procedure. The concentration of dried grass was later varied keeping the other optimized medium constituents constant to find the final optimum medium composition for endoglucanase production.