Potential of apple pomace as a solid substrate for fungal cellulase and hemicellulase bioproduction through solid-state fermentation

The effect of different inducers on the cellulase and hemicellulase bioproduction by Aspergillus niger NRRL-567 using apple pomace as a substrate was investigated. Rapid production of different cellulase enzymes namely, FPase (filter paper cellulase), CMCase (carboxymethyl cellulase), BGL (β-glucosidase), and xylanase were observed with peak activity reaching between 48 and 72 h of fermentation period. The higher FPase and BGL activities of 133.68 ± 5.44 IU/gram dry substrate (gds) and 60.09 ± 3.43 IU/gds, respectively were observed while using CuSO4 and veratryl alcohol after 48 h of incubation time. The higher CMCase activity of 172.31 ± 14.21 IU/gds was obtained with lactose after 48 h of incubation period. Similarly, higher xylanase activity of 1412.58 ± 27.9 IU/gds was observed with veratryl alcohol after 72 h of fermentation time. This study sheds light on the rapid bioproduction of fungal cellulase and hemicellulase using low cost waste, apple pomace as substrate when supplemented with different inducers.

► Economically feasible and rapid production of cellulase and hemicellulase using low cost apple pomace waste. ► Cellulases find potential applications in food industry, biofuel and chitooligomers production, among others. ► In-house production of cellulase and hemicellulase will help to curtail the high cost of enzymes. ► Economy use of negative cost wastes and to lessen the environmental hazards caused by their disposal.