Production of Laccase by Fungi Isolated From Soil via Submerged Fermentation Using Corn Cob as Substrate

Abstract

One of the limitations of large scale application of laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is the inability to produce them in large quantity at an affordable cost. This study was carried out to screen indigenous fungi for their ability to produce laccase using the locally available substrate. Five soil samples were collected and diluted serially, 0.1 mL of the 10-5 and 10-6 dilutions were inoculated onto Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The fungal isolates were identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The isolates were then screened for laccase production by growing them on PDA containing tannic acid as an indicator compound. The laccase producing isolates were further screened for their ability to utilize corn cob as a substrate for laccase production. Ten fungal species were isolated and identified as Trichoderma viridae (3), Trichoderma harzianum (3), Aspergillus niger (2), Fusarium sp. (1) and Penicillium sp. (1). Only two of the isolates namely T. viridae and T. harzianum were found to be laccase producers. Both laccase producing fungal species were able to utilize corn cob as substrate for laccase production. T. viridae had higher enzyme activity (2.228 U/mL) than T. harzianum (2.1583 U/mL) after 9 days of incubation. Laccase producing fungi were isolated in this study and they were able to use corn cob as substrate for laccase production.

Kinetic studies on optimized extracellular laccase from Trichoderma harzianum PP389612 and its capabilities for azo dye removal

“…In their species, T. atroviride and T. harzianum were recorded as the most vital laccase producers compared with other Trichoderma species [16,57]. Singh et al [58] and Nuhu et al [59] revealed that laccase production from Trichoderma sp. was affected highly by the incubation period and the temperature and found that incubation for 6-9 days at 25-30 °C was convenient for laccase production by Trichoderma species.…”

“…It was stated that laccase production from Trichoderma sp. was obtained with high concentrations after 6-9 days of incubation at 25-30 °C Singh et al [58] and Nuhu et al [59]. Also, nitrogen sources play an essential role in microbial cell walls, proteins involving enzymes, amino acids, peptides, and nucleotide synthesis [70].…”

“…Also, nitrogen sources play an essential role in microbial cell walls, proteins involving enzymes, amino acids, peptides, and nucleotide synthesis [70]. Organic nitrogen sources like peptone and yeast extract give the highest industrial enzyme production, as stated by Shwetha et al [71] and Nuhu et al [59].…”