Factorial designs: an efficient approach to choosing the main factors influencing growth and hydrolase production by Tetrahymena thermophila.

A fractional factorial design with eight trials was applied to select and model the effects of major factors, individually and in combination, on improving Tetrahymena thermophila growth and enzyme production. Regulated pH at 6.8 and olive oil at 0.5% (v/v) showed positive effects on fermentation, and increased cell growth parameters including generation time and maximal population formation. Lipase and protease production were also improved by these factors and were favoured by cultivation of Tetrahymena in darkness. This statistical experiment offers a beneficial and rapid screening procedure to select the most effective combination of factors influencing fermentation processes.