Multiple Parameter Optimizations for Enhanced Biosynthesis of Exo-polygalacturonase Enzyme and its Application in Fruit Juice Clarification

The present study investigated the potential of several indigenous fungal strains to produce industrially important exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) utilizing locally available agro-industrial wastes in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Amongst various substrates employed, wheat bran supported the highest biosynthesis of exo-PG. Different process variables such as, fermentation duration, moisture level, pH and temperature were optimized using one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) statistical approach. Results revealed that an initial medium pH of 3.0 at 35 degrees C together with MnSO4, glycine and pectin have progressive influence on exo-PG synthesis by P. notatum, while C. versicolor displayed utmost enzyme activity at pH 5.0, temperature 30 degrees C, moisture 50 % using CaCO3, (NH4)2SO(4), and lactose as nutritional sources. The enzymatic cocktail treatment achieved a significantly improved clarity by reducing the turbidities, viscosities and absorbance's of three fruit juices. Scaling up of various fermentation parameters might have potential to produce enhanced activities of exo-PG for different industrial sectors, particularly in food industry.