Statistical Optimization of Process Parameters by Central Composite Design (CCD) for an Enhanced Production of L-asparaginase by Myroides gitamensis BSH-3, a Novel Species

BACKGROUND: The present study focused on the production of L-asparaginase using Solid State Fermentation (SSF) by Myroides gitamensis. METHODS: Initially, five significant parameters (Carbon source; Nitrogen source, temperature, pH and incubation period) were identified that affect the production process of L-asparaginase using Classical One Factor at a Time (OFAT) optimization. An optimized L-asparaginase specific activity obtained by OFAT was recorded as 85.7 IU. Central Composite Design (CCD) was also employed successively to optimize the multiple parameters at a time and their results were compared. RESULTS: Maximum L-asparaginase enzyme specific activity obtained by CCD method was 295.6 IU under the hold values of carbon source (wheat bran) 12 g/L, nitrogen source (yeast extract) 7 g/L, temperature 37°C, pH=7.5 and incubation period 47 hr. Upon validation, the obtained results proved that there was a good relation existing between the experimental and the predicted model (p<0.05). L-asparaginase activity was enhanced in statistical method up to 3.4 folds compared to that of classical method. CONCLUSION: Utilization of wheat bran as a low cost carbon source in SSF for the production of L-asparaginase enzyme makes the process economical and in turn reduces the environmental pollution by biotransformation to commercially useful bio product.