Lipase production by solid-state fermentation in fixed-bed bioreactors

In the present work, packed bed bioreactors were employed with the aim of increasing productivity and scaling up of lipase production using Penicillium simplicissimum in solid-state fermentation. The influence of temperature and air flow rate on enzyme production was evaluated employing statistical experimental design, and an empirical model was adjusted to the experimental data. It was shown that higher lipase activities could be achieved at lower temperatures and higher airflow rates. The maximum lipase activity (26.4 U/g) was obtained at the temperature of 27 degrees C and airflow rate of 0.8 L/min.