PRODUCTION OF BULK CELLULASE ENZYMES FROM MIXED CULTURES OF TRICHODERMA REESEI AND ASPERGILUS NIGER

• Main Author: Suryani Rahayu, Christina
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/73221
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

<p align="justify">Cellulase enzyme is the enzyme with the third largest volume of use in the world and functions in degrading cellulose materials, such as agricultural waste. Cellulase enzymes can be made through a solid phase fermentation process with cellulose-rich substrates. Trichoderma reesei is a cellulotic microorganism commonly used in the production of cellulase enzymes. However, the resulting enzyme has low ?-glucosidase activity that has an impact on the performance of cellulase enzymes in breaking down cellulose into glucose. Mixed cultures are one solution that can be used to increase the activity of cellulase enzymes. In this study, cellulase enzyme synthesis will be carried out from the substrate of empty oil palm bunches (EFB) with a mixed culture of Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger. The variation used in this study is the comparison of T. reesei and A. niger ratio in the mixed inoculum, fermentation temperature, and length of fermentation time. The range of cellulase enzyme activity values obtained in this study is in the range of xx-xx, still lower than commercial enzyme activity. ANOVA analysis states that all variables have a significant effect on cellulase enzyme activity. The highest average enzyme activity was obtained at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, 9 days of fermentation, and a T. reesei : A. niger ratio of 2: 1. In this study, enzymes obtained from mixed cultures had higher enzyme activity than cellulase enzymes obtained from enzymes from individual cultures of T. reesei and A. niger.