Mn-peroxidase production by Panus tigrinus CBS 577.79: response surface optimisation and bioreactor comparison

This study reports the statistical optimisation through response surface methodology of the growth medium for Panus tigrinus manganese‐dependent peroxidase (MnP) production in shaken culture. Three crucial variables, including carbon source, malonic acid and Mn2+, were optimised in a nitrogen‐limited medium. Sucrose was the best carbon source for MnP production. Mn2+ ions and malonic acid significantly stimulated MnP production at an optimal concentration of 53 mg dm−3 and 8.2 mmol dm−3, respectively, resulting in 0.83 U cm−3. Further experiments were performed in lab‐scale stirred tank (STR) and bubble‐column (BCR) reactors using the previously optimised liquid medium. BCR proved to be more adequate than STR in supporting MnP production, leading to 3700 U dm−3 after 144 h with a productivity of 25.7 U dm−3 h−1. On a comparative basis with other production data in lab‐scale reactors, these results appear to be compatible with scale transfer. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry