Activation of enzyme phytase in Aspergillus niger LCWU 21 by surfactants

Present study describes the activation of enzyme phytase in Aspergillus niger LCWU 21 isolated from the soil by solid substrate fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran as culture medium. The addition of surfactants showed stimulatory effect on enzyme formation. Effect of the addition of surfactants showed that the addition of Triton x-100 enhanced enzyme production (60.3 U/ml). It was found that concentration and time of addition of surfactant are critical for enzyme synthesis. The rate of phytase production was higher in the presence of Triton X-100. Addition of Triton X-100 at the time of inoculation gave maximum enzyme production. These results are encouraging for optimization under industrial conditions.