Optimization of a Solid State Fermentation for Benzyldehyde Production by a Locally Isolated, Penicillium diversum Using Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) as Substrate

Abstract

Optimization of the solid state fermentation on PKC for benzyldehyde production by a locally isolated fungus, which was identified to be Penicillium diversum revealed that at the temperature of 30EC, particle size of PKC of 1 mm, water content of 40%, glucose to ammonium sulphate supplementation ratio of 1:1 and inoculum size of 10 5 spores gG 1 PKC, benzyldehyde production of 7.2 mg gG 1 PKC was obtained after 5 days fermentation. This is an increase by more than 80% compared to before optimization, The production does not depend on the growth of the fungus.