Optimization of medium and process parameters for the production of lipase from an oil-tolerant Aspergillus sp. (RBD-01).

Extracellular lipase production by Aspergillus sp. (RBD-01) was monitored by modulating pH of the growth medium, ambient temperature for growth, source of nitrogen and percentage of carbon (virgin cottonseed oil). This strain was observed to be viable and produces lipase even up to 50% oil as a main carbon source. Maximum lipase activity of 21.8 U/ml was obtained with 50% (v/v) oil acting as the main carbon source and peptone (0.5% w/v) as nitrogen source. The optimum pH and temperature for enzymatic activity were observed to be 7.5 and 35 degrees C, respectively. The observations are of significance due to limited reports on use of 50% of oil as the main carbon source while obtaining significant lipase activity of 21.8 U/ml.