Production of Rhizopus oligosporus Protein by Solid State Fermentation of Apple Pomace

摘要

Apple processing waste was used as a solid substrate for Rhizopus oligosporus growth. The addition of nitrogen sources and its influence upon fungal protein production were investigated. Buffer solutions were tested for pH control in order to reach the optimum range for the fungal growth (4.0 - 6.5). Solid-state fermentation was carried out in laboratory scale column reactors with forced aeration (Raimbault's columns). Urea was found to be an efficient nitrogen source favoring the highest protein yields and phosphate buffer was the most suitable for pH control. Addition of 5.0 % urea and 0.30 M phosphate buffer gave the highest protein content in apple pomace after cultivation.