Production of Cellulolytic Enzymes by Aspergillus flavus Using Solid State Fermentation Based on Sugarcane Bagasse

Cellulases are enzymes of great industrial interest, which are used in the food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents and textile industries. Applications include the bleaching of pulp in the paper industry, the production of dissolved pulp, waste water treatment and recycling of waste paper. Studies have been carried out regarding the ability of microorganisms to produce enzymes, using available and affordable substrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus, strain (D2-FB) to produce cellulase. The studies were carried out using a substrate of sugarcane bagasse supplemented with 1% cellobiose and carboxymethylcellulose. The material was kept in an oven at 27º C for 69 days and the enzymes were measured every 7 days. To quantify the enzymes, the DNS method was adopted. The results showed that the highest production occurred at 32 days, with a production of 33.15 ± 7.96 U/g of substrate. After this period, the enzyme production decreased gradually up to 3.06 ± 0.53 U/g. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the endophytic fungus A. flavus, strain (D2-FB), is a producer of cellulases.