The use of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, a synthetic analogue of maltose, as inducer of amylase by Aspergillus sp in solid-state and submerged fermentations

The use of a methyl-D-glucoside (aMG), a synthetic analogue of maltose, as carbon source and inducer of amylase synthesis to several species of Asperg illus was studied in submerged and solid-state fermentations. Among a group of ten species, A. tamarii, A. fumigatus and A. flavus were able to produc e biomass and high specific amylolytic activity in submerged cultures conta ining aMG as the only carbon source. In solid state fermentation, the enric hment of basal wheat bran or com cob medium with aMG increased up to 3 time s the production of amylases. In both submerged and solid state fermentatio ns, aMG was more effective inducer of amylases than maltose and starch.