P51: Optimization of culture parameters for production of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes from a new Trichoderma species SG2

A newly isolated Trichoderma sp. SG2 (Hypocerea sp. SG2) is a strong producer of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. The objective of this study was to optimize temperature (25-50ºC), pH (4-8), carbon substrates (switchgrass, sawdust, waste paper, corn cob, molasses and peanut hull) and nitrogen sources (ammonium citrate, ammonium sulfate, urea, peptone, yeast extract and corn steep liquor) for maximum production of cellulase, xylanase, β-glucosidase and β-xylosidase. The optimum temperature for production of enzymes was determined to be 30ºC. Initial pH of 6.0 was the optimum for production of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. Waste paper and ammonium sulfate were respectively the most effective carbon and nitrogen sources when supplied singly in the fermentation medium. A medium that consisted of a combination of carbon and nitrogen sources was, nonetheless, the most effective for production cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. Further process optimization in solid substrate cultures will be discussed.