Optimization of culture medium and conditions for neo-fructooligosaccharides production by Penicillium citrinum

Culture medium and conditions were optimized to improve neo-fructooilgosaccharide (neo-FOS) production by Penicillium citrinum using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The central composite designs using RSM were employed in this investigation. The quadratic models for neo-FOS production were obtained. Among culture media, optimal concentration of sucrose and yeast extract were found to be 12.65% and 2.90%, respectively, and predicted maximum value of neo-FOS production was 39.3 g/l. For culture conditions, optimal points of inoculum age (78.5 h), initial pH (7.34) and inoculum size (11.36% (v/v)) were determined and predicted maximum value of neo-FOS production was 40.6 g/l. By performing the culture under optimal culture media and conditions, actual neo-FOS production increased to 107%. It was also suggested that RSM can be used as a potential tool for optimization of factors in fermentation and food industry.