Optimization of inulinase production by solid-state fermentation using sugarcane bagasse as substrate

The production of enzymes by bioprocesses is a good alternative to add value to agroindustry residues. Sugarcane bagasse is an abundant by-product of sugar industry and was tested as support and carbon source for production of inulinase (2,1-β-d-fructanohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.7) from Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571 by solid-state fermentation. Corn steep liquor was used as nitrogen supplement. Factorial design and response surface analysis were carried out to evaluate the effects of temperature (30.4–41.6 °C) and corn steep liquor (13–27.1%, w/v) on the production of inulinase. Optimum fermentation conditions were found to be: 36 °C and 20 wt.% of corn steep liquor. Under optimized conditions, the extra-cellular enzyme concentration reached 391.9 U/g of dry fermented bagasse.