Optimization of solid-state fermentation conditions for the production of cellulase and its hydrolytic potentials by Trichoderma virride Sn-9106

Trichoderma viride Sn-9106 with high cellulase activity was used to produce enzyme on residues of Chinese herbs as substrate in solid state fermentation. Residues of Chinese herbs and peptone were found to be the best combination of carbon and nitrogen source for the production of cellulase. The nutrient composition of medium was optimized using response surface methodology. A fractional factorial design (33) was applied to elucidate the nutrient medium components that significantly affect cellulase production. The concentration of peptone and wheat bran in the medium was a significant factor. The composition of nutrient fermentation medium optimized with response surface methodology was in g/L: wheat bran, 19.8, peptone, 2.06 and KH2PO4, 2.9. Compared to the original medium, the cellulase activity increased from 3.8 to 7.5 IU/mL. Key words: cellulase, Trichoderma viride Sn-9106, response surface methodology (RSM), solid state fermentation (SSF), residues of Chinese herbs (RCH).