Protein enrichment of lignocellulosic substrates by solid state fermentation using Neurospora sitophila

In this research study an attempt has been made to enrich the protein conte nt of sugar beet pulp (SBP), wheat bran (WB) and citrus waste (CW) by solid state fermentation (SSF) using Neurospora sitophila. Optimum conditions fo r protein enrichment of these lignocellulosic byproducts by N. sitophila un der SSF were investigated. From these experimental studies, optimal moistur e content for growth on SEP and CW was 75-80% (w/w) whereas for WE it was 6 5% (w/w). The protein content of untreated SEP, WE and CW after 5 days SSF on surface was increased from 15, 13 and 7% (w/w) to 30, 30 and 18.2%, resp ectively. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.