Xylanase and itaconic acid production by Aspergillus terreus NRRL 1960 within a biorefinery concept

Production of two industrially important products, xylanase and itaconic acid (IA), by Aspergillus terreus NRRL 1960 from agricultural residues was investigated within a biorefinery concept. Biological pretreatment was applied to lignocellulosic materials by using A. terreus, which produced xylanase while growing on agricultural residues. For IA production, already grown cells were transferred into a new medium. The first step provided not only the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material in order to be used as feedstock but also production of xylanase. For this purpose, cotton stalk, sunflower stalk and corn cob were used as carbon sources as lignocellulosic material. Among them, the highest xylanase production was obtained on corn cob. By application of two-step fermentation, about 70 IU/mL xylanase and 18 g/L IA production levels were achieved. This study shows the stepwise usage potential of the microorganism as a tool in a biorefinery concept.