Use of Aspergillus niger Extracts Obtained by Solid-State Fermentation

Abstract Agroindustrial wastes are both an environmental and economic problem that industries must strive to solve. However, these residues represent an inexpensive alternative source for microbial growth and biomass or enzyme production, mainly using solid-state fermentation (SSF). Corn cob, a worldwide by-product obtained from maize processing, has a lignocellulosic structure made up of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Aspergillus niger is one of the most frequently employed filamentous fungi in the production of enzymes by SSF. This fungal species can grow on corn cob to produce xylanases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of xylan, a heterogeneous polysaccharide consisting mainly of a backbone chain of β-1,4-linked β- d -xylopyranose units. Fungal xylanases have several applications in the paper manufacturing, animal feed, bread making, juice, and wine industries. Xylanases are also interesting for the production of xylooligosaccharides, used as functional food ingredients, and xylose for bioconversion into xylitol.