Optimization of Xylanase Production from Aspergillus spp. under Solid-state Fermentation Using Lemon Peel as Substrate

Xylanase is an enzyme that acts on xylan and degrades it into xylose. Xylanase may be produced by several different microbes such as bacteria and fungi. Xylanase has significant applications in food industries for improving dough handling and improving the quality of baked products in the extraction of starch, coffee, and plant oils. Xylanase, along with pectinase and cellulose, has enormous application in the clarification of fruit juices. In the present study, xylanase was produced by solid-state fermentation using lemon peel as substrates. Aspergillus Niger was induced to produce xylanase by frequent sub-culturing on a medium containing 2% xylan. OFAT was analyzed by using several fermentation parameters such as moisture content, particle size, incubation period, incubation temperature, peptone concentration, and pH of the extraction buffer. Under optimized conditions, the maximum xylanase activity was found for particle size of 1.7mm, moisture content of 80%, peptone concentration in nutrient solution at 0.3%, and extraction pH of 7.0. Hence, xylanase can be further subjected to down streaming processes and therefore for various applications.