Production of Extracellular Lipase from the Antarctic Bacterial Isolate Pseudomonas sp. INK1 by Solid State Fermentation of Soybean Meal

The production of extracellular lipase from the Antarctic bacterial isolate, Pseudomonas sp. INK1, by solid state fermentation using agricultural residues as substrate was evaluated. Among the substrates tested, soybean meal was most favorable for the lipase production, increasing the enzyme activity 1.7- and 2.5-fold in comparison with wheat bran and corn flour, respectively, and it was chosen for further work. Maximum lipase production (7,553 +/- 235 U/g) was observed at 84 h of fermentation. Lipase production was optimal at moisture content of 71.4%, pH of 6-7, and inoculum size of 6%. The addition of maltose as the carbon source and peptone as the nitrogen source was most effective for enhancing lipase production. This solid state fermentation is meaningful in converting inexpensive agricultural residues into highly valued biotechnological products such as lipase. It may benefit the conventional sector of crop agriculture.