α-Galactosidase production by Aspergillus oryzae in solid-state fermentation

Comparisons were made for α-galactosidase production using red gram plant waste (RGPW) with wheat bran (WB) and other locally available substrates using the fungus Aspergillus oryzae under solid-state fermentation (SSF). RGPW proved to be potential substrate for α-galactosidase production as it gave higher enzyme titers (3.4 U/g) compared to WB (2.7 U/g) and other substrates tested. Mixing WB with RGPW (1:1, w/w) resulted enhanced α-galactosidase yield. The volume of moistening agent in the ratio of 1:2 (w/v), pH 5.5 and 1 ml (1 × 106 spores) of inoculum volume and four days incubation were optimum for α-galactosidase production. Increase in substrate concentration (RGPW + WB) did not decrease enzyme yield in trays.