Lipase production by Penicillium restrictum in solid-state fermentation using babassu oil cake as substrate

Growth and enzyme production in SSF by a Brazilian strain of Penicillium re strictum was studied. Solid waste from the babassu oil industry was used as the basic nutrient source and was supplemented with peptone, olive oil or starch at different C/N ratios. The highest lipase activity (30.3 U/g initi al dry weight) was achieved after 24 h of cultivation with 2% olive oil enr ichment. Lipase activity a-as very sensitive to the kind and the level of s upplementation, and decreased as protease level and pH in the media increas ed. Maximal levels of glucoamylase and protease were obtained with 4% starc h enrichment, indicating that the type of carbon source supplemented to the basal medium determines the major enzymes produced. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.