African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (14), pp. 1710-1714, 18 July 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Xylanase production by Aspergillus niger ANL 301 using agro - wastes

Okafor, U. A.¹, Okochi, V. I.^1, Onyegeme-okerenta¹, B. M. and Nwodo-Chinedu, S.^2*

¹Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003 Idiaraba, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.

²Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University,  KM 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, PMB 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author.  E-mail: sncresearch@yahoo.com.

Accepted 15 June, 2007

Xylanase production by wild-type Aspergillus niger ANL301, newly isolated from wood-waste, was monitored at 24 h intervals for a period 168 h in media containing different carbon sources. The carbon sources were oat-spelt xylan (Fluka) and three agro-wastes (sawdust, sugarcane pulp and wheat bran). Highest xylanase activity of 6.47 units/mL was obtained at 96 h in media containing wheat bran as sole carbon source. Maximum activity value for the media containing sugarcane pulp was 0.95 units/mL obtained also at 96 h. Sawdust and oat spelt xylan gave the peak enzyme activities of 0.65 and 0.80 units/mL respectively at 120 h. High protein yield was obtained in media containing the agro-wastes, with wheat bran giving the highest value of 1.14 mg/mL at 96 h. The maximum specific xylanase activities were 3.86, 3.37, 5.69, and 9.36 units/ mg protein for sawdust, sugarcane pulp, wheat bran and oat spelt xylan, respectively. Out of the three agro-wastes used in this study, wheat bran holds greatest promise for low cost production of the xylanase enzyme.

Key words: Aspergillus niger ANL301, agro-wastes, submerge fermentation, xylanase.