Protease production by Aspergillus flavus under solid state fermentation using cotton seeds and sugarcane bagasse

Abstract

The production of protease by Aspergillus flavus under optimized conditions has been studied under solid state fermentation. Cotton seeds and sugarcane bagasse is used as substrates. The best substrate for maximum protease production was found to be sugarcane bagasse and a high protease activity was observed on the 144th hr of growth. A pH value of 4.0 with temperature 40 0C, inoculums size of 3% of solid substrate and a moisture content of 60% were found to be optimal for maximum protease production. The study proved that locally isolated fungal species is able to produce a very high level of protease under SSF using inexpensive agro-residual substrates, which can be useful in industries.