Optimisation Of Lignin Peroxidase Production From Pycnoporus Sp.

Ligninase or lignin peroxidase is gaining importance for their biotechnology application due to its integral role in the biodegradation of lignin, lignin related aromatic compounds and the potential use in industrial processes such as biopulping, biobleaching and bioremediation. Lignin peroxidase has been extensively studied and has been reported produced by white rot fungus. In this study, a preliminary study was done to screen for the highest lignin peroxidase producer from five locally isolated white rot fungus using agitated and non-agitated culture condition. The highest lignin peroxidase producer, identified as Pycnoporus sp. was selected for the optimisation study. Factorial design approach was chosen to determine the optimum conditions which significantly influence the production of lignin peroxidase by Pycnoporus sp. Optimum condition for the highest lignin peroxidase activity of 51.1 U/L was successfully achieved at 24 mM of nitrogen concentration, agitation speed at 110 rpm, pH 3.5, inoculum concentration of 6 x 106 spores/ml and addition of 1 mM inducer (veratryl alcohol) in carbon limited media.