Cellulase Production Under Solid-State Fermentation by Trichoderma reesei RUT C30: Statistical Optimization of Process Parameters

Sugar cane bagasse was used as substrate for cellulase production using Trichoderma reesei RUT C30, and the culture parameters were optimized for enhancing cellulase yield. The culture parameters, such as incubation temperature, duration of incubation, and inducer concentration, were optimized for enhancing cellulase yield using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The optimal level of each parameter for maximum cellulase production by the fungus was determined. Predicted results showed that cellulase production was highest (25.6 FPAase units per gram dry substrate) when the inducer concentration was 0.331 ml/gds, and the incubation temperature and time were 33 C and 67 h, respectively. Crude inducer generated by cellulase action was found to be very effective in inducing cellulases. Validation of predicted results was done, and the experimental values correlated well with that of the predicted.