Statistical screenings of medium components for the production of chitinase by the marine isolate Pantoea dispersa

Effect of 19 different medium components on chitinase production by marine isolate Pantoea dispersa was studied by Plackett–Burman design. Each component was screened on the basis of ‘ p’ (probability) value, which was at 95% or above of confidence level. In the initial chitinase production medium containing five medium components chitinase production of 108 units/ml was obtained. In the Plackett–Burman method, significant factors influencing the chitinase production were screened. 4.21-fold increase in chitinase production was observed in 22nd medium of Plackett–Burman experimental design. Increase in production of endochitinase (3.95-fold) and chitobiase (2.31-fold) was observed.