Cellulase production by trichoderma harzianum in static and mixed solid-state fermentation reactors under nonaseptic conditions.

Cellulase production from lignocellulosic materials was studied in solid-state cultivation by both static and mixed techniques under nonaseptic conditions. The effects of fermentation conditions, such as moisture content, pH, temperature, and aeration, on cellulase production by Trichoderma harzianum using a mixture of wheat straw (80%) and bran (20%) were investigated. With a moisture content of 74% and a pH of 5.8., 18 IU filter paper activity and 198 IU endoglucanase activity/g initial substrate content were obtained in 66 h. The extension from static column cultivation to stirred tank reactor of 65 L capacity gave similar yields of cellulase.