Effect of hydroxycinnamates and benzoates on the production of feruloyl esterases by Aspergillus niger

The effect of hydroxycinnamic (ferulic, p-coumaric, sinapic and caffeic) an d benzoic (benzoic, vanillic) acids on feruloyl esterase production by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger was assessed. A niger was grown on oat spelt xylan with and without the addition of hydroxycinnamic or benzoic ac ids. Only supplementation with ferulate or vanillate increased the producti on of feruloyl esterase, as measured by the hydrolysis of methyl ferulate i n the culture supernatant. The other phenolic compounds reduced esterase le vels over a 7 day period. In contrast, endo-beta-1,4-xylanase levels were s uppressed by the presence of ferulic, caffeic and sinapic acids and stimula ted by B-coumaric, benzoic and vanillic acids. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.