Multiple Parameter Optimization for Maximization of Pectinase Production by Rhizopus sp. C4 under Solid State Fermentation

A novel strain Rhizopus sp. C4 was isolated from compost for the production of pectinase. Cultivation of Rhizopus sp. C4 on orange peel substrate under various solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions was evaluated for pectinase yield along with the enzyme activity profile as a potential, low-cost alternative to submerged-liquid fermentation. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize various environmental parameters for pectinase production. Various parameters, namely temperature, moisture and incubation days, were studied statistically for a total of 20 runs using central composite design. The highest yield of the enzyme, i.e., 11.63 IU/mL, was obtained from 1:3.5 moisture ratios in 7 days at 30°C. The study demonstrated that optimization through RSM could improve the enzymatic characteristics and yield of the enzyme.