SCREENING AND PRODUCTION OF LIPASE FROM LIPOLYTIC FUNGI UNDER SUBMERGED FERMENTATION

Abstract

Lipases are triacylglycerol acyl hydrolases with the enzyme number EC 3.1.1.3. They catalyze the hydrolysis and the synthesis of esters formed from glycerol and long-chain fatty acids. in this study, fungi were isolated from diesel and restaurant wastewater polluted soil and screened for lipase production on solid agar. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the best isolate were determined. The effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on lipase production were also investigated. A total of 11 fungi were isolated. The diameter of growth ranged from 24.6i- 47.0a mm and lipase production ranged from 0.0h mm- 10.5a mm. Isolate VPD4 had the best lipase activity and was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Carbon sources had significant difference (p≥0.05) in lipase production which ranged from 88.09h U/mL- 188.65a U/mL and nitrogen sources had significant difference (p≥0.05) in lipase production which ranged from 79.92g U/mL - 182.22a U/mL) respectively. Glucose (188.65a U/mL) and Peptone (182.22a U/mL) supported the highest lipase production. This study has shown that Fusarium oxysporum isolated from a diesel polluted soil is a good lipase producer and can be further investigated for industrial purpose.