Lipase production by Penicillium restrictum in solid-state fermentation using babassu oil cake as substrate

Growth and enzyme production in SSF by a Brazilian strain of Penicillium restrictum was studied. Solid waste from the babassu oil industry was used as the basic nutrient source and was supplemented with peptone, olive oil or starch at different C/N ratios. The highest lipase activity (30.3 U/g initial dry weight) was achieved after 24 h of cultivation with 2% olive oil enrichment. Lipase activity a-as very sensitive to the kind and the level of supplementation, and decreased as protease level and pH in the media increased. Maximal levels of glucoamylase and protease were obtained with 4% starch enrichment, indicating that the type of carbon source supplemented to the basal medium determines the major enzymes produced. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.