Optimization of cellulase production using Trichoderma reesei by RSM and comparison with genetic algorithm

The potential of Trichoderma reesei for cellulase production using pineapple waste as substrate has been investigated. A maximum cellulase activity of 9.23 U/mL is obtained under the optimum experimental conditions: pH (5.5), temperature (37.5°C), initial substrate concentration (3%), inoculum concentration (6.6 × 108 CFU/mL), and culture time (6 days). Box-Behnken design (BBD) statistical tool and genetic algorithm (GA) are used to optimize the process parameters. The BBD study of linear and quadratic interactive effects of experimental variables on the desired response of cellulase activity showed that the second order polynomial is significant (R 2 = 0.9414). The experimental cellulase activity under the optimal conditions identified by the BBD is 9.23 U/mL and that by GA is 6.98 U/mL. This result indicates that the BBD model gives better result than GA in the present case.