Production of enzymes from Lichtheimia ramosa using Brazilian savannah fruit wastes as substrate on solid state bioprocesses

Abstract

Background: Enzyme production by solid state bioprocess (SSB) using residues as substrate for microorganisms is an alternative for costs reduction and to avoid their disposal into environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiology of the fungus Lichtheimia ramosa in terms of microbial growth and production of amylases, β-glucosidases, carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), and xylanases, via SSB, utilizing wastes of the Brazilian savannah fruits bocaiuva (Acrocomia aculeata), guavira (Campomanesia pubescens) and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) as substrate at different temperatures (25, 30, and 35°C) during 168 hrs.

Results: Samples were taken every 24 hrs, which resulted in 8-points kinetic experiments to determine microbiological and enzymatic contents. The best substrate for β-glucosidase activity was pequi waste after 48 hrs at 30°C (0.061 U/mL). For amylase activity, bocaiuva presented itself as the best substrate after 96 hrs at 30°C (0.925 U/mL). CMCase activity was higher in guavira waste after 96 hrs at 35°C (0.787 U/mL). However, the activity was more expressive for xylanase in substrate composed of bocaiuva residue after 144 hrs at 35°C (1.802 U/mL).

Conclusions: It was concluded that best growth condition for L. ramosa is at 35°C for all substrates and that xylanase is the enzyme with more potential in SSB, considering the studied Brazilian savannah fruit wastes.