Effect of optimization conditions on submerged fermentation of corn bran for the production of xylanase enzyme

UV- rays were used as mutagens on wild type of Aspergillus niger for enhanced production of Enzyme – Xylanase. The xylanase producing species were isolated from soil and exposed to UV rays at various timings of 20 mins, 40 mins, 60 mins, 80 mins, 100 mins and 120 mins.  The mutants AN20 – AN100 showed 19.96, 21.22, 22.66, 27.88, and 37.77 % increase in activities of cellular xylanase respectively in comparison with the parental strain (0.556± 0.06). Mutant AN100 exposed to UV ray for 100 minutes was therefore selected as the best producer of xylanase after 7 days of fermentation using Corn bran as a substrate. As seen in the result, increase in time of exposure resulted to a decrease in cellular xylanase production. Optimization of xylanase production was carried out and the result obtained revealed that mutant AN100 showed best xylanase activity when cultivated at PH 5, 30 °C and without addition of any other Carbon or Nitrogen source. Aspergillus niger is a good producer of xylanase under the conditions determined in this assay