Development of a culture medium for large-scale production of cellulolytic enzymes by Trichoderma reesei

Culture filtrates of CL-847 strain of Trichoderma reesei grown on different carbon sources have been compared. The highest enzyme production is obtained with Whatman C 41 cellulose: 17.9 mg/mL of soluble proteins and 13.7 units of filter paper (FP) activity. Wood pulps gave lower production values and more viscous culture media. About one-third of maximal enzyme production is obtained on lactose as the sole carbon source. Addition of 0.5% cellulosic inducer to 6% lactose media enhances enzyme production up to the following levels: 14.1 mg/mL of soluble proteins and 8.4 units of FP activity.