Optimization of Cellulase Production by Aspergillus ornatus by the Solid State Fermentation of Cicer arietinum

Agrowastes are quite suitable substrates for enzyme producing microbes. Agrowastes are good carbon source and provide rich growth media for a range of microorganisms which produce industrially important enzymes. In the present studies, the process of cellulase production by Aspergillus ornatus on Cicer arietinum was optimized by adjusting various process parameters in solid state fermentation at Department of Botany, University of Gujrat, Pakistan, 2011. Chickpea agrowaste supplied with 0.2% ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source at 28 ° C at pH of 4, initial moisture of approximately 75% incubated upto the 72 th hour of fermentation produced maximum cellulase enzyme. The results indicated that chickpea agrowaste might be a very good potential source of carbon and might be used at larger scales for cellulase production due to its cost effectiveness and ease of availability.