β 1,4-Xylosidase Production Potential of a Fusarium sp. on Wood Shavings

Aims: This study was aimed at screening fungal isolates from degrading wood samples for β 1,4-xylosidase production, selecting the best isolate based on the screening test to produce the enzyme through solid state fermentation of some wood shavings and determining optimum production conditions for the fungus on best substrate.

Place and Duration of Study: Microbial physiology laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan and Multi Discplinary Central laboratory University of Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. Between September 2010 and October 2011.

Methodology: Isolates obtained from degrading wood samples were identified and screened on agar plates of para–nitrophenyl β-xyloside as carbon source. Selected isolates were used to produce β 1,4-xylosidase using shavings of Anogeissus leiocarpus, Gmelina arborea and Terminalia superba moistened with a chemically defined medium as substrates. Assay was done every 3 days for 15 days. Production dependent parameters such as pH, temperature were varied on the best wood substrate for β 1,4-xylosidase production by selected fungus.

Results: Selected isolate was used for enzyme production on shavings of Anogeissus leiocarpus, Gmelina arborea and Terminalia superba as substrates, each was moistened with chemically defined medium. Assay was done every 3 days for 15 days. Production dependent parameters such as pH, temperature were varied on the best wood substrate for β 1,4-xylosidase production by fungus. Maximum β 1,4-xylosidase activity of fungus on each substrate was; Anogeissus leiocarpus, 31.620Ug-1 on 12th day, G. arborea, 8.935U g-1 on day 9 and T. superba, 6.053Ug-1 on 6th day. Optimum β 1,4-xylosidase production was obtained on A. leiocarpus at 35ºC and pH 6 with 40% and 60% aeration. 50% moisture content of substrate supplemented with soy meal as nitrogen source supported the best β 1,4-xylosidase production by fungus.

Conclusion: Enzyme production was highly enhanced at optimum conditions.