PRODUCTION OF STARCH SACCHARIFYING ENZYME (GLUCOAMYLASE) IN SOLID CULTURES

A laboratory process was established for the production of glucoamylase (amyloglucosidase) enzyme by Aspergillus niger (RRL isolate), using wheat bran of mixed particle size as main carbon source in solid cultures. The experimental studies were carried out in 500 ml conical flasks and subsequently in tray fermenters in static conditions. Experiments were conducted to monitor the impact of initial moisture content of the substrate as well as the steam cooking of the substrate on different atmospheric pressure on the productivity of the enzyme. An initial moisture level of 50-55% was found optimum for glucoamylase production when fermentation was carried out for 96 h. Cooking of substrate at 1056 kg/cm2 under steam for 30 min gave most desirable qualities in substrate.