PRODUCTION OF CELLULASE USING A MUTANT STRAIN OF TRICHODERMA-REESEI GROWING ON LACTOSE IN BATCH CULTURE

The production of cellulases in batch culture was studied using a muta nt strain of Trichoderma reesei C-5 growing on lactose. Growth kinetic parameters on 2% lactose were studied and the comparative results for growth and enzyme productivities at two different lactose levels are discussed. The cellulase synthesis rate depended on the lactose concen tration in the medium. Although growth was favoured at a higher lactos e level, the volumetric enzyme productivity did not increase in propor tion and the specific enzyme productivity decreased to a certain exten t, indicating that partial catabolic inhibition at higher lactose conc entrations may be possible. However, it was noted that the mutant stra in was highly derepressed and capable of synthesising active cellulase s on lactose.