Optimization of Cellulase Enzyme Production by Co-cultures of Fungi Isolated from Lignocellulosic Waste

Fruit wastes were incubated with the mixture of cellulolytic fungi Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus oryzae, and Trichoderma viride to hydrolyze the cellulosic components and to increase the degree of degradation. . The batch experiments are statistically designed and performed using Box-Benhken method of Response Surface Methodology to investigate the influence of major parameters viz., incubation time, temperature, pH, moisture content and substrate concentration on cellulase enzyme production. Maximum cellulase production of 2.03 Units/ml (U/ml) was detected by the RSM method in a mixed culture containing fungi at a ratio of 1: 1: 1 under optimal conditions at an incubation time of 5.27 days, a temperature of 34.09 °C, pH 4.85, moisture content of 63.83% and a substrate concentration of 5.03%.