Cellulase Production by Trichoderma reesei using Sugar Beet Pulp

Abstract

Cellulase production by the fungus Trichoderma reesei was studied using sugar beet pulp (SBP) as a substrate. The subculture medium was a salt solution consisting of KH2PO4, CaCl2, etc. Fungal cells were sub-cultured in an orbital shaker (180 rpm) at 30°C for 1-2 generations (two days for each generation) and were then used as an inoculum. Exponential cells were inoculated into a medium containing SBP. Data showed that cellulose in SBP has a potential to be used as a substrate to produce cellulase. The effect of cellulose concentration on cellulase production was investigated. Using the medium composition (the mixture of chemical salts and SBP substrate) and a fermentation time of 4-6 days, a maximum cellulase activity of 0.46 IU/ml of filter paper activity was obtained.