Production of α-amylase and glucoamylase from different starches by a new Trichoderma sp isolate

Different carbon sources were tested for the simultaneous cultivation and production of extracellular alpha-amylase and glucoamylase by a new Trichoderma sp. isolate, namely sorghum, soluble (potato), corn, and cassava starches as well as maltose. Although maltose behaved better than the other carbon sources in terms of alpha-amylase activity (about 28,000 U/L) and productivity (about 390 U/L(.)h), cassava and corn starches ensured much higher glucoamylase activities (17,000-18,000 U/L) and productivities close to that obtained with maltose (about 100 U/L(.)h). Because of its ability to produce either alpha-amylase or glucoamylase, the Trichoderma isolate used in this study promises to be advantageously used in a direct process for raw starch saccharification without preliminary gelatinisation.