Laccase production by solid substrate fermentation

Solid substrate fermentation (SSF) is defination for the growth of microoorganisms on moist solid substrate in the absence of free water. SSF is suitable for the production of enzymes by fungi since SSF processes. Various lignocellulosic wastes have been used in SSF for ligninolytic enzyme production such as laccase. Laccase which is produced by white rot fungi is preferred due to its ability to oxidize both phenolic and non-phenolic compounds. In this study, laccase production by Funalia trogii and Trametes versicolor on solid substrate is tested. Olive oil mill wastewater (OMW), molasses wastewater (vinasse), whey and molasses are utilized for moisturing solid substrate. Various inducers such as copper, peptone, glucose, yeast extract and xylidine have been assayed for their ability to enhance laccase production in solid substrate fermentation. In the presence of inducers, especially, addition of copper increased laccase activity and utilization of some wastewaters positively affected the laccase production. Results showed that, high level of laccase can be produced by solid substrate fermentation. Utilization of cheap and abundant agricultural wastes makes this technique more economical and using wastewater can help solving pollution problems. KEYWORDS: Solid substrate fermentation, laccase, white rot fungus, Funalia trogii, Trametes versicolor