Medium optimization for the production of phytase by recombinant Pichia pastoris grown on glycerol

Based on statistical designs, minimal salts medium, commonly used for yeast cultivation, was optimized to maximize GAP promoter-mediated phytase production by recombinant Pichia pastoris grown on glycerol. A Plackett-Burman design was followed to screen medium components to determine those that significantly affected phytase production. Of the 8 components studied, the concentrations of K2SO4, CaSO4̇2H2O and MgSO 4̇7H2O were identified as having a significant effect. These three components were subsequently optimized by response surface methodology using a central composite design. The optimal concentrations of the three components, leading to a maximal extracellular phytase activity of 161.64 U/ml, were K2SO4 13.25g/l, CaSO4̇2H 2O 1.03g/l and MgSO4̇7H2O 17.94g/l. The activity measured in cultures using optimized growth medium is significantly higher than the 73.31 U/ml measured in cultures using standard minimal salts media. The theoretical phytase yields predicted by the developed model were very close to experimentally obtained values. Copyright © 2011 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved.