Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 Producing Pectinase Couple to Polysulfone/Pluronic Membrane Ultrafiltration for Momordica Charantia Juice Clarification

Momordica charantia is an anti-diabetic which is used as carminative, emmenagogue, in the treatment of colics, as antiviral, anthelmintic, antimalarial and antimicrobic remedy. The Momordica charantia was treated with Aspergillus niger pectinase at various concentration (0-500 U/ml), temperature (4-40°C) and times (0-10 min). Aspergillus niger was selected as a promising producer of pectinase via solid state fermentation (SSF) using oil palm leaf (OPL) as substrate because it is abundantly available in Malaysia and rich with carbon source that needed for Aspergillus niger’s growth. The optimum treatment conditions were at 30°C, at pH between 6-6.5 at time 10 min with 472.257 U/ml. The enzymatic treatment was followed by ultrafiltration (15kDa). Analysis of the clarified juice indicate that the enzyme permitted a higher permeate flux and high juice quality.