Effect of pH on cellulase production and morphology of Trichoderma reesei and the application in cellulosic material hydrolysis

A low-cost of cellulase achieved through improving fermentation technology remains a key requirement for commercialization of cellulosic biofuels and biochemicals. pH plays a very important role in the process of cellulase synthesis by Trichoderma reesei. In this work, effects of pH on the production and production rates of three cellulase components (endoglucanase, exoglucanase, beta-glucosidase) and mycelial morphology were studied. Production rates of the cellulase components were kept highest and the mycelial morphology was maintained at the optimal status by developing a phased pH control strategy in order to improve cellulase production. Cellulase production in terms of filter paper activity and beta-glucosidase production in batch fermentation increased 17.6% and 22%. Saccharification efficiency of the enzyme obtained by pH control was evaluated by hydrolyzing pretreated corn cob. Saccharification yield increased significantly (up to 26.2%) compared with that without pH control. These results add new knowledge on approach for improving cellulase production. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.