Optimization of fungal xylanase production using pulp industry effluents

• Grant number: 14/19367-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2014
• End date: October 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Geisiany Maria de Queiroz-Fernandes
• Grantee: Bruna Leticia Martins
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências da Saúde. Universidade do Sagrado Coração (USC). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The pulp bleaching process generates large amounts of effluents with low biodegradability and has toxic substances as chlorine and ozone, which leads to the need of previous treatments for proper disposal, with consequent increased costs for this industry. The use of xylanases in this step can reduce environmental damage and reduce production costs, thus contributing to the obtainment of a higher quality final product. Enzyme production from agro-industrial residue is an alternative for the reuse of raw materials previously considered environmental pollutants. The ideal xylanase in this process presents specific characteristics, as the low cost of production. The aim this study is to optimize the production of fungal xylanase from effluents generated by a pulp industry in the State of São Paulo. The effluents will be obtained in the pulp bleaching stages, and will be used for enzyme production in decreasing of the concentration of xylan inductor, that has considerable commercial value. The production will be performed by submerged liquid fermentation using the fungus Aspergillus niger, in shaker. The culture medium used for production is described in the literature, however will be added effluents. Some production parameters will be change (effluent concentration, pH, temperature and agitation). The experiments will be traced using factorial design. The aim is to contribute to biotechnological processes that enable cost reduction and environmental benefits.