Production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei from dairy manure

Cellulase production by the fungi Trichoderma reesei was studied using dairy manure as a substrate. Data showed that T. reesei RUT-C30 had higher cellulase production than T. reesei QM 9414 and that a homogenized manure, treated by a blender to reduce fiber size, led to higher cellulase production. The cellulase production was further optimized by growing T. reesei RUT-C30 on homogenized manure. The effects of manure concentration, pH, and temperature on cellulase production were investigated with optimal parameter values determined to be 10 g/l manure (dry basis), 25.5 °C, and pH 5.7, respectively. Elimination of CaCl2, MgSO4, nitrogen sources (NH4+ and urea) and trace elements (Fe2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Mn2+) from the original salt solution had no negative influence on the cellulase production, while phosphate elimination did reduce cellulase production. Based on above results, the final medium composition was simplified with manure additives being KH2PO4, tween-80 and CoCl2 only. Using this medium composition and a reaction time of 6-8 days, a maximum cellulase production activity of 1.74 IU/ml of filter paper activity, 12.22 IU/ml of CMCase activity, and 0.0978 IU/ml of β-glucosidase was obtained. This filter paper activity is the highest ever reported in cellulase production from agricultural wastes.