Optimization of production conditions for β-mannanase using apple pomace as raw material in solid-state fermentation

Apple pomace is a wasted resource produced in China in large quantities, disposal of which has caused serious environmental problems. In order to make the best of this residue, apple pomace together with cottonseed powder was used as a raw material to produce β-mannanase in solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus niger SN-09. Optimization of fermentation conditions for maximizing β-mannanase production was carried out using Plackett-Burman and Central Composite designs. A mixture of apple pomace and cottonseed powder (3:2, w/w) with 59.2 % (w/w) initial moisture, together with certain ionic compounds and salts, proved to be the optimal medium. The test fungi were inoculated in the optimized medium and incubated at 30°C for 48 h. The activity of β-mannanase reached 561.3 U/g, an increase of 45.7 % compared with that in basal medium, and reached the same level of production as that achieved using wheat bran and soybean meal as raw materials as in most factories in China. This is the first report of the use of apple pomace as a raw material to produce β-mannanase in SSF. This will not only reduce the production cost of β-mannanase, but also represents a new and effective way to make the best use of apple pomace, which can consequently help to reduce the environmental pollution caused by this waste.