Optimization of cultural conditions for production of lignin peroxidases by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a white-rot basidiomycete, produces the ligninolytic system in idiophase upon starvation for carbon, nitrogen or sulphur. The ligninolytic system consists of two major classes of enzymes, viz lignin peroxidases (LiP) and manganese-dependent peroxidases (MnP). In the present work, the synthesis and secretion of LiP were studied in different conditions of agitation, aeration and immobilization. The influence of temperature shift and inducers in addition to LiP production were also evaluated. The results showed that the mycelium immobilized on porous ceramic supports (Raschig rings or Berl saddles) under non-agitated culture, with pure oxygen flushed daily, on nitrogen-limited medium and a temperature shift during the course of fermentation, provided optimal conditions for LiP production.