Production and partial characterization of xylanase by Sporotrichum thermophile under solid-state fermentation

A number of factors affecting production of xylanase, by the thermophilic fungus Sporotrichum thermophile under solid state fermentation (SSF) were investigated. Initial moisture content and type of carbon source were consecutively optimized. Solid state fermentation in a laboratory horizontal bioreactor using the optimized medium allowed the production of 320 U g(-1) of carbon source which compared favourably with those reported for other microorganisms. Optimal xylanase activity was observed at pH 5 and 70degreesC. Chromogenic (fluorogenic) 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-glycoside of xylobiose (MUX2) was used to characterize the xylanase multienzyme component, after separation by isoelectric focusing and native PAGE electrophoresis. The zymograms indicated one major xylanase fraction exhibiting pI and molecular mass values 4 and 90-120 kDa, respectively.