Effect of pH and temperature on phytase and biomass production by submerged fermentation with Aspergillus niger var. phoenicis URM 4924

Abstract

Phytase production and biomass was evaluated in present work by submerged fermentation with Aspergillus niger var. phoenicis URM 4924. Experimental assays were done under different conditions of pH (4.0 to 8.0) and temperature (25 to 35 ºC), and the influence of these variables on the responses was studied through a 22 central composite design and response surface methodology. Phytase and biomass production were affected by the pH and temperature used during submerged fermentation. Phytase activity was increased in up to 7.8-fold (from 1.04 to 8.09 U/mL) and the ergosterol content was increased in up to 38-fold (from 9.3 to 354.09 μg/mL). The maximum values of both responses were achieved when using pH 4.0 and 30 ºC.