Cellulase Production by Aspergillus niger via Solid State Fermentation (SSF) using Agro-wastes

Agricultural-based industry is an important sector of economy for Malaysia as the geographical structure of this country is suitable for agricultural activities. However, the increase number of agricultural-based industries not only affects the economy positively, but also contributes towards environmental problems. Therefore, in this study, three types of agro-wastes were utilized to produce cellulase enzyme via solid state fermentation to reduce environmental pollution. The three types of agro-wastes were sago hampas, pineapple leaf and coconut husk. Aspergillus niger was involved in this study to produce cellulase because fungus is more suitable to be used in SSF compared to bacteria. Cellulase are group of hydrolytic enzymes that have the ability to break down cellulose into simple sugar. The cellulase activity was determined by using filter paper activity followed by dinitrosalicylic acid method which were used to determine the amount of sugar produced. SSF parameters such as incubation period, initial moisture content and temperature were optimized to determine the highest cellulase activity. The results showed that pineapple leaf is the best substrates for cellulase production by A. niger