MEDIUM OPTIMIZATION FOR NUCLEASE P1 PRODUCTION BY PENICILLIUM-CITRINUM IN SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION USING POLYURETHANE FOAM AS INERT CARRIER

A solid-state fermentation system, using polyurethane foam as an inert carrier, was used for the production of nuclease P1 by Penicillium ci trinum. Optimization of nuclease P1 production was carried out using a synthetic liquid medium. After a hue-step medium optimization using a fractional factorial experimental design, nuclease P1 productivity an d specific activity are greatly increased. Nuclease P1 productivity an d specific activity are ninefold and fourfold higher, respectively, th an in solid-state fermentation of wheat bran and 500-fold and 20-fold higher, respectively, than in submerged fermentation. Additional advan tages of the solid-state fermentation process using inert carrier are discussed.