EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL BYPRODUCTS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BETAGLUCOSIDASE BY ASPERGILLUS NIGER MBT-2 USING SOLID STATE FERMENTATION

The experiment was conducted to isolate and screen fungal strain and optimization of solid-state fermentation conditions for enhanced production of beta-glucosidase. Different fungal cultures were isolated and screened for beta-glucosidase production. The physicochemical and nutritional parameters were optimized for enhanced production of beta-glucosidase from higher producer. Among all the isolates the isolate which exhibited highest beta-glucosidase potential was identified and assigned the code as Aspergillus niger MBT-2. The optimum beta-glucosidase production was obtained in M5 medium containing wheat bran after 72 hrs of incubation at 40 degrees C, pH 6 and 20 ml of moisture contents. In addition to this 2% fructose and 2% yeast extract proved to be best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively and gave maximal enzyme productivity. The exploitation of agricultural by products as a substrate reduced the production cost of enzyme and makes the process economical. The Aspergillus niger MBT-2 has promising potential of bioconversion of low-cost material into valuable product like beta-glucosidase.