Biotransformation of hydrolysable tannin to ellagic acid by tannase from Aspergillus awamori

Madhuca indica, locally known as mahua in India is a multipurpose tree species. Mahua, particularly bark contains a significant amount of hydrolysable tannin (17.31%) which can be utilized for ellagic acid production through biotransformation. In the present study, mahua bark utilized not only as a raw material for tannase production but also for ellagic acid a well-known therapeutic compound. After prior confirmation of hydrolysable tannin content in bark, it has been supplemented, as a substrate for tannase production through solid state fermentation of Aspergillus awamori. Tannase production, as well as biodegradation of the hydrolysable tannin reached a maximum at 72 h of incubation time. The optimum conditions for tannase production are solid to liquid ratio of 1:2, 35 degrees C, pH 5.5 and 72h incubation time which resulted 0.256 mg/mL of an extract of ellagic acid. Maximum tannase activity of 56.16 IU/gds at 35 degrees C and 72h of incubation time is recorded. It seems that tannase production and biotransformation of hydrolysable tannins using bark powder of mahua can be considered as an appropriate alternative to the existing procedures of ellagic acid production.