Optimization of metalloprotease production by Eupenicillium javanicum in both solid state and submerged bioprocesses

CM de S Motta, H Cabral, YA Ab

Abstract

Proteases are enzymes that have great importance in industries and can be produced through bioprocess by microorganisms. Changes in parameters can influence the production rate of these enzymes. The current study evaluated the influence of these parameters on the production of proteases by the fungus Eupenicillium javanicum under both solid state bioprocess (SSB) and submerged bioprocess (SmB), and determined the partial biochemical characterization of the crude enzymatic extract. Our studies have indicated that the best conditions for the production of proteases under SSB were a 10% albumin, 90% wheat bran incubated at 30°C. Under SmB the optimal conditions were medium supplemented with 0.25% casein, medium pH of 5.0 and incubation at 30°C. The biochemical characterization showed that the enzyme is a metalloprotease that presented collagenolytic activity, with optimal pH and temperature of 5.5 and 60°C, respectively.