Application of statistically-based experimental designs for the optimization of nisin production from whey

Statistically-based experimental designs were applied for the optimization of nisin production by Lactococcus lactis in a whey-based medium. Yeast extract, KH2PO4, and MgSO4 were identified to have significant effects on nisin biosynthesis by a Plackett–Burman design. These three significant factors were subsequently optimized using central composite design, and the optimal conditions were determined to be 12.067 g l−1 for yeast extract, 0.569 g l−1 for KH2PO4, and 0.572 g l−1 for MgSO4. The validity of the optimal conditions was verified by a separate experiment.