Effect of pH on cellulase production and morphology of Trichoderma reesei and the application in cellulosic material hydrolysis

A low-cost of cellulase achieved through improving fermentation technology remains a key requirement for commercialization of cellulosic biofuels and biochemicals. pH plays a very important role in the process of cellulase synthesis by Trichoderma reesei. In this work, effects of pH on the production and production rates of three cellulase components (endoglucanase, exoglucanase, β-glucosidase) and mycelial morphology were studied. Production rates of the cellulase components were kept highest and the mycelial morphology was maintained at the optimal status by developing a phased pH control strategy in order to improve cellulase production. Cellulase production in terms of filter paper activity and β-glucosidase production in batch fermentation increased 17.6% and 22%. Saccharification efficiency of the enzyme obtained by pH control was evaluated by hydrolyzing pretreated corn cob. Saccharification yield increased significantly (up to 26.2%) compared with that without pH control. These results add new knowledge on approach for improving cellulase production.