Optimization of Cellulase Production and Biodegradation of Artemisia annua L. wastes by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride

Abstract

Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride isolated from soils of Artemisia annua L. plantations were used for the production of cellulases using submerged state fermentation (SmF). Artemisia annua process waste was used as the substrate for the fermentation. The fermentation broth was further assayed for various parameters including effects of incubation period, different concentrations of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), incubation temperature and pH on enzyme production. The results indicated that the test fungi had their peak enzyme activity of 126 and 913 IU/mL respectively on the 3rd d of incubation. At 3% conc. of CMC, A. niger and T. viride had their highest enzyme production of 181.5 and 222.6 IU/mL respectively. The lowest enzyme production of 127.3 and 138.9 IU/mL was recorded for the two fungi at 0.5% conc. of CMC. Aspergillus niger had its peak of 166.2 IU/mL at incubation temperature of 30C and 189 IU/mL for T. viride at 50C. The optimum pH for enzyme production for A. niger and T. viride was pH 3 producing 227 and 239 IU/mL enzymes respectively.