Production of alpha-amylase by Penicillium expansum MT-1 in solid-state fermentation using waste Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindley) kernels as substrate

The major aim of present study was to investigate the feasibility of waste loquat kernels as substrate in solid-stale fermentation for a-amylase production by Penicillium expansum MT-1. The kernels accounted for 22.5% of whole fruit (by wet weight). They were rich in protein (22.5%) and total carbohydrate (71.2%). The starch accounted for 25.6% of total carbohydrate and 36% of whole kernel, on dry weight basis. The fungus was isolated from fermented loquat kernels. Loquat kernel flour (LKF) could serve as a sole source of nitrogen and carbon for the fungus to grow and synthesize a-amylase. However, additional carbon and nitrogen sources increased the enzyme production. Supplementation of each one of alcohols gave rise to a positive effect on the enzyme production. Optimal conditions for the production of a-amylase by the fungus on LKF were determined as initial moisture content of 70%, particle size of 1 mm, pH 6.0, incubation temperature of 30 degrees C, starch and peptone as supplements, 1 ml methanol as supplement alcohol and incubation period of 6 days. Under the optimized culture conditions, the maximum enzyme production was 1012 U/g of LKE Usability of waste loquat kernels as substrate in microbial culture media for the production of alpha-amylase was investigated for the first time in the present study.