APPLICATION OF SYNERGISTIC PHENOMENA FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF XYLANASE USING FUNGAL CONSORTIUM UNDER SUBMERGED FERMENTATION

The current investigation focuses the isolation and optimization of process parameter for hyper production of xylanase by utilization of synergistic phenomena. Different fungal strains were isolated from different soil samples. The qualitative screening was performed on the basis of xylan hydrolysis zone. The quantitative screening of compatible fungal strains was carried in submerged fermentation. The fungal consortium containing A. niger and A. flavus showed highest xylanlolytic potential. Five different media were evaluated for xylanase production.  The M5 medium containing wheat bran, yeast extract Na2HPO4, KCl and MgSO4 gave optimal production. The physical and nutritional factors comprising incubation time, temperature, pH, inoculum size, volume of medium, carbon and nitrogen sources were also optimized. The optimal xylanase productivity was achieved after 96 h at 30°C, pH 5, inoculum size 4%, and 50ml fermentation medium. Xylose (1%) and NaNO3 (0.5%) were found to be best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Optimal production of xylanase (153U/ml) was obtained in the presence of 0.2% ZnSO4 and 0.1% Tween 80. The novelty in the current investigation is the utilization of fungal consortium for enhanced production of xylanase. The utilization of fungal strains in consortium improves the synergistic action of microbes resulting in the greater xylanase productivity.