Amylase Production in Solid State Fermentation using Aspergillus niger

Acquisition of enzymes for industrial activities has become a challenge, especially in developing countries where enzymes need to be imported at very high prices. Enzyme production for industrial activities has mainly been obtained from the submerged fermentation system, however, the use of an alternative approach and less expensive technology, i.e. solid state fermentation has been reviewed in several literature. The use of statistical tools such as Response Surface Methodology (RSM) enables the fine-tuning of process parameters for optimum response thus, providing more information on the biochemical process. This book describes the use of RSM for maximizing amylase production using Aspergillus niger that was cultivated on agro-wastes through solid-state fermentation. The methods and analyses outlined in this book should shed some light on the application of RSM to optimize biochemical processes. Personnel involved in optimizing industrial biochemical processes, students in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology and anyone else considering the use of a statistical tool to optimize a process should find this book very useful.