Optimization of Process Variables for Lipase Biosynthesis from Rhizopus oligosporus NRRL 5905 Using Evolutionary Operation Factorial Design Technique.

Extracellular lipase was produced from Rhizopus oligosporus NRRL 5905 through solid state fermentation (SSF). To provide an optimum fermentation conditions for maximum lipase yield, five process variables (temperature, liquid-solid ratio, pH, incubation period and spore concentration) were optimized using evolutionary operation (EVOP) factorial design technique taking into account the interaction between the process variables. Optimization through EVOP resulted in around 3 fold increase in lipase activity (77 U gds(-1)) at a liquid-solid ratio of 1.5:1, fermentation temperature of 35°C, initial fermentation pH 6, incubation period 5 days and a spore concentration of 10(8) spores ml(-1).