An Analysis of Exo-Polygalacturonase Bioprocess in Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation by Pleurotus ostreatus Using Pomelo Peel Powder as Carbon Source

Summary

This research compared two different methods of producing an industrially important enzyme using waste pomelo peels. The enzyme, called exo-polygalacturonase, has applications in food processing and textile industries. The study found that while one method (submerged fermentation) produced more enzyme, the other method (solid-state fermentation) produced a more heat-stable enzyme that could be more useful for industrial applications. Impacts on everyday life: • Demonstrates how fruit waste can be recycled into valuable industrial products • Helps make food processing and textile manufacturing more efficient and cost-effective • Contributes to more sustainable industrial practices by utilizing agricultural waste • Could lead to reduced costs for processed food and textile products • Advances the development of environmentally-friendly industrial processes

Background

Microbial pectinolytic enzymes of fungal origin have many industrial applications in food processing, textiles, and other industries. While filamentous fungi like Aspergillus niger are commonly used for enzyme production, there is limited research on polygalacturonase production from edible fungi like Pleurotus ostreatus. Additionally, there is increasing interest in utilizing crop residues for microbial transformation into industrially valuable products. Pomelo peel, which is rich in pectin, represents a potential novel cheap carbon substrate for enzyme production.

Objective

To compare the production of exo-polygalacturonase by Pleurotus ostreatus between submerged fermentation (smf) and solid-state fermentation (ssf) techniques using pomelo peel powder as the carbon source. The study aimed to analyze the kinetics of enzyme production using logistic and Luedeking-Piret models and evaluate the physicochemical properties of the crude enzyme produced by both fermentation methods.

Results

Cultures in submerged fermentation produced peak exo-polygalacturonase activity of 6160 UI-1 on day 4, compared to 2410 UI-1 on day 5 in solid-state fermentation. The enzyme yield coefficient was higher in smf (YE/X = 1.05 × 103) versus ssf (YE/X = 0.622 × 103), indicating more efficient product yield in smf. However, secondary product destruction was higher in smf than ssf. The enzyme produced through ssf showed better thermal stability compared to smf.

Conclusion

P. ostreatus performs significantly better in submerged fermentation compared to solid-state fermentation for exo-polygalacturonase production when using pomelo peel powder as carbon source. While ssf produced lower enzyme yields, it generated a more thermostable crude enzyme that is desirable for industrial applications. Pomelo peel powder proved to be an effective and economical carbon source for enzyme production.
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