Media Evaluation for the Production of Microbial Enzymes

This study compares the performances of animal-based byproducts with other complex nutrients. Productions of α-amylase by Bacillus subtilis, glucoamylase by Aspergillus niger, endocellulase, exocellulase, and xylanase by Trichoderma viride, protease by B. subtilis, and B. licheniformis were evaluated in shake-flask fermentation. Culture broths were analyzed daily for enzyme activity for up to 9 days. Significant increases in α-amylase, cellulase, and xylanase activities were observed. Data strongly suggest that many of these byproducts can be used to replace the more expensive complex nutrients in industrial enzyme production with a corresponding increase in enzyme production. Keywords: Enzyme production; α-amylase; glucoamylase; endocellulase; exocellulase; xylanase; protease