Potential of apple pomace as a solid substrate for fungal cellulase and hemicellulase bioproduction through solid-state fermentation

The effect of different inducers on the cellulase and hemicellulase bioproduction by Aspergillus niger NRRL-567 using apple pomace as a substrate was investigated. Rapid production of different cellulase enzymes namely, FPase (filter paper cellulase), CMCase (carboxymethyl cellulase), BGL (beta-glucosidase), and xylanase were observed with peak activity reaching between 48 and 72 h of fermentation period. The higher FPase and BGL activities of 133.68 +/- 5.44 IU/gram dry substrate (gds) and 60.09 +/- 3.43 IU/gds, respectively were observed while using CuSO4 and veratryl alcohol after 48 h of incubation time. The higher CMCase activity of 172.31 +/- 14.21 IU/gds was obtained with lactose after 48 h of incubation period. Similarly, higher xylanase activity of 1412.58 +/- 27.9 IU/gds was observed with veratryl alcohol after 72 h of fermentation time. This study sheds light on the rapid bioproduction of fungal cellulase and hemicellulase using low cost waste, apple pomace as substrate when supplemented with different inducers. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.