Optimization of Process Parameters for the Production of Lipase in Submerged Batch Fermentation by Fusarium specie

Production of lipase by Fusarium sp. isolated from soil in the University of Port Harcourt was studied in submerged batch fermentation. Lipase secretion by the fungus was detected in a Rhodamin B agar medium containing olive oil. Lipase production was investigated in shake-flask culture. Culture conditions and nutrient source modification studies involving carbon sources, nitrogen sources, medium pH as well as the time course were evaluated in this study. Lipase was detected in culture filtrate. Among the carbon and nitrogen sources; sucrose at 1.5% (7.7U/ml) and ammonium chloride at 2.5% (23.6 U/ml) was found to be the best carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Manganese sulphate (0.1%) gave optimum lipase production among other metal ions studied. Among the different lipase inducers tested, crude oil (0.9%) and olive oil(1.0%) significantly (p<0.05) enhanced lipase production by the fungus. The optimum pH ant temperature for the production of lipase were found to be 2,5 at 30 0 C after 120h of fermentation with agitation rate of 150rpm. Lipase production by Fusarium sp. followed a logarithmic pattern with maximum lipase activity of 72.35U/ml obtained on the 5 th day of fermentation. Statistical analysis revealed that the culture conditions significantly (p<0.05) influenced lipase secretion by this fungus. Generally, results obtained in this study demonstrate that