Medium optimization of carbon and nitrogen sources for the production of spores from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B128 using response surface methodology

The production of spores from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B128 was investigated in shaker-flask cultivation. Optimization of the culture medium was carried out by using a two-step approach. A quick identification of a suitable source of carbon and nitrogen was obtained by a simple screening experiment, which was followed by an application of response surface methodology (RSM) for further optimization design. A five-level four-factor central composite design was employed to determine the maximum spore yield at optimum levels for lactose, tapioca, ammonium sulfate and peptone. Tapioca and peptone showed a significant linear main effect, while lactose and ammonium sulfate had no significant linear effect. The spore production was also significantly affected by lactose–ammonium sulfate and lactose–peptone. Optimum cultivation parameters were (g/L): 12.7 of lactose, 16.7 of tapioca, 1.8 of ammonium sulfate and 8.0 of peptone. The prediction spore yield was 5.93 × 108 (no/mL). The actual experimental results were in agreement with the prediction.