Optimization of cellulases production by Trichoderma citrinoviride on marc of Artemisia annua and its application for bioconversion process

The production of cellulases by Trichoderma citrinoviride fermented on marc of Artemisia annua, and bioconversion of the same marc by produced cellulase system was studied. The effects of pretreatments, substrate concentration, particle size, initial pH, temperature and concentration of the medium components on production of FPase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase were monitored and comparatively evaluated. Among the three pretreatment processes, alkali hydrolysis with autoclaving was found to be most suitable for production of all the three enzymes. Optimum production of FPase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase was obtained at 96 h, 96 h and 72 h of fermentation period, respectively. Substrate concentration of 1% with particle size between 200 μm and 475 μm gave the higher yields. Higher production of all the three enzymes was obtained with initial pH value of 5.5, temperature of 28 °C and 75% of mineral salt solution. Partially purified enzyme system obtained by optimized fermentation procedure, was applied for saccharification. Forty six percent of saccharification was noticed after 48 h of incubation on alkali hydrolyzed and autoclaved substrate which was 3.26 fold more than that of unpretreated substrate.