Optimization of glucoamylase production by Colletotrichum sp. KCP1 using statistical methodology

Glucoamylase is a key enzyme used in the food processing as well as in commercial production of glucose from starch. A natural fungal strain identified as Colletotrichum sp. KCP1 using 18S rDNA partial genome sequencing has been studied for optimization of glucoamylase production. Media components were screened and optimized through the statistical approach for the synthesis of glucoamylase in solid state fermentation using wheat bran as the substrate. The medium components influencing the enzyme production were identified using Plackett-Burman design. Among various variables screened along with wheat bran as major growth substrate, starch, whey, and casein acid hydrolyasate were found to be most significant. The optimum concentrations of these significant parameters were determined employing the response surface central composite design, revealing starch concentration (1.5 g), whey (0.1 mL), and casein acid hydrolysate (0.1 g) per 5 g of wheat bran for highest enzyme production.