SUBSTRACT AND TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON XYLANASE PRODUCTION BY ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS USING LOW COST AGRICULTURAL WASTES

This study reports the optimization of xylanase production under solid state fermentation (SSF) by a thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus strain (SCB4) isolated from sugarcane bagasse piles of Brazilian Cerrado. Different combinations of low-cost agricultural byproducts in SSF were evaluated: sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran (1:1), sugarcane bagasse and corn straw (1:1) and only sugarcane bagasse. The enzyme biosynthesis by SSF was carried out at different temperatures (40, 45, 50 and 55 degrees C). The maximum levels of xylanase activity were obtained after 24 h at 45 degrees C using a culture medium containing sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran (1: 1). Under optimal conditions, the fungal culture produced 574 U g(-1) of xylanase (units/g of dry substrate). The crude enzyme showed optimal activity at 60 degrees C and pH 4.5. It exhibited thermostability up to 55 degrees C, wide range of pH stability and tolerance to ethanol, xylose and glucose. The physicochemical properties shown by this enzyme are appropriate for its application in hydrolysis of lignocellulosic residues for ethanol production and other bioproducts.