New solid-state fermentation process for repeated batch production of fibrinolytic enzyme by Fusarium oxysporum

novel solid-state fermentation system using rice chaff as carrier/substrate impregnated with mineral solution was developed in order to produce, repeatedly, an industrially useful enzyme. Fusarium oxysporum and a fibrinolytic enzyme was used as the model microorganism and target product, respectively. The dry spores were pneumatically inoculated and incubated for 96 hours, resulting in immobilized F. oxysporum cells on moist substrate. The ability of the immobilized culture to perform a long-term operation was confirmed by repeated batch fermentation. Production of the enzyme continued for 31.5 days and total fibrinolytic enzyme activity reached 154500 IU/litre bulk volume.