Submerged culture production of chitinase by Trichoderma harzianum in stirred tank bioreactors - the influence of agitator speed

The chitinase fermentation process utilizing chitin as the sole carbon sour ce was investigated ina stirred tank bioreactor. Agitator speed of 224 rpm was found to be most suitable for cell growth as well as for chitinase prod uction. Chitinase yield decreased rapidly at higher agitator speed, while d ecrease in cell yield at higher agitator speed was not rapid. Probably, mas s transfer limitation was predominant in the fermentation process at lower agitator speed. Higher agitator speed appears to reduce chitinase productio n. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.