Utilization of wheat straw for fungal phytase production

Abstract

Purpose Wheat straw is an agricultural waste which can be used as a cost effective animal feed. However, high hemicellulose
and phytic acid content in wheat straw prevents it as a primary feed choice. Utilization of wheat straw in solid-state
fermentation may result in wheat straw valorization and enzyme production. In this study, phytase production in solid-state
fermentation of wheat straw using Aspergillus ficuum and valorization of wheat straw were evaluated.
Methods A two-step experimental design procedure was employed for screening and optimization of influencing factors
on phytase production. Effects of different nutritional and environmental factors were investigated by one factor at the time
method (OFATM). To reach higher amounts of phytase, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize
phytase production as a function of three of the most effective factors.
Results Optimization of the significant parameters resulted in an increase in the phytase activity from 0.74 ± 0.12 to a maximum
of 16.46 ± 0.56 Units per gram dry substrate (U gds−
1). The high degree of the fungal phytase activity on wheat straw
resulted in the decrease in phytic acid content by 57.4%, as compared to the untreated sample. Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) and FTIR structural analysis showed intensive fungal growth on wheat straw, and partial removal of hemicelluloses,
lignin and phytic acid.
Conclusion The study demonstrated the feasibility of wheat straw utilization in solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus
ficuum toward the production of phytase and valorization of wheat straw as an animal feed.