High-level xylanase production by alkaliphilic Bacillus pumilus ASH under solid-state fermentation

Bacillus pumilus ASH produced a high level of an extracellular and thermostable xylanase enzyme when grown using solid-state fermentation (SSF). Among a few easily available lignocellulosics tested, wheat bran was found to be the best substrate (5,300 U/g of dry bacterial bran). Maximum xylanase production was achieved in 72 h (5,824 U/g). Higher xylanase activity was obtained when wheat bran was moistened with deionized water (6,378 U/g) at a substrate-to-moisture ratio of 1:2.5 (w/v). The optimum temperature for xylanase production was found to be 37°C. The inoculum level of 15% was found to be the most suitable for maximum xylanase production (7,087 U/g). Addition of peptone stimulated enzyme production followed by yeast extract and mustard oil cake, whereas glucose, xylose and malt extract greatly repressed the enzyme activity. Repression by glucose was concentration-dependent, repressing more than 60% of the maximum xylanase production at a concentration of 10% (w/v). Cultivation in large enamel trays yielded a xylanase titre that was slightly lower to that in flasks. The enzyme activity was slightly lower in SSF than in SmF but the ability of the organism to produce such a high level of xylanase at room temperature and with deionized water without addition of any mineral salts in SSF, could lead to substantial reduction in the overall cost of enzyme production. This is the first report on production of such a high level of xylanase under SSF conditions by bacteria.