Two-stage statistical medium optimization for augmented cellulase production via solid-state fermentation by newly isolated Aspergillus niger HN-1 and application of crude cellulase consortium in hydrolysis of rice straw.

Cellulolytic enzyme production by newly isolated Aspergillus niger HN-1 was statistically optimized using Plackett-Burman and central composite design (CCD). Optimum concentrations of 2, 0.40, 0.01, and 0.60 g L (-1) for KH2PO4, urea, trace elements solution, and CaCl2·2H2O, respectively, were suggested by Design-Expert software. The two-stage optimization process led to a 3- and 2-fold increases in the filter paper cellulase (FP) and β-glucosidase activities, respectively. FP, β-glucosidase, endoglucanase, exopolygalaturonase, cellobiohydrolase, xylanase, α-l-arabinofuranosidase, β-xylosidase, and xylan esterase activities of 36.7 ± 1.54 FPU gds(-1), 252.3 ± 7.4 IU gds(-1), 416.3 ± 22.8 IU gds(-1), 111.2 ± 5.4 IU gds(-1), 8.9 ± 0.50 IU gds(-1), 2593.5 ± 78.9 IU gds(-1), 79.4 ± 4.3 IU gds(-1), 180.8 ± 9.3 IU gds(-1), and 288.7 ± 11.8 IU gds(-1), respectively, were obtained through solid-state fermentation during the validation studies. Hydrolysis of alkali-treated rice straw with crude cellulases resulted in about 84% glucan to glucose, 89% xylan to xylose, and 91% arabinan to arabinose conversions, indicating potential for biomass hydrolysis by the crude cellulase consortium obtained in this study.