Abstract

OPTIMIZATION OF NUTRIENT MEDIA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PEPTIDASES BY PLACKETT BURMAN DESIGN USING ASPERGILLUS NIGER

Gaddam Srivani*, Tirunagari Pujari Dharanija, Manchala L. V. K. Naga Raja Brahmam, Malipatel Nikitha, Gundu Dhanalaxmi and MD. Azmaan Adeem

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Abstract

The present study focuses on optimizing nutrient media for enhanced production of peptidases using Aspergillus Niger through the Plackett- Burman Design (PBD). Various carbon, nitrogen, and mineral sources (Components such as soyabean meal, glucose as source of carbon and nitrogen, dihydrogen, potassium phosphate, multivitamin tablets ammonia sulphate are used as supplements) were tested in high and low concentrations across eight experimental trials to identify the most influential media components. Based on optical density (OD) values, the most effective medium formulation was selected from flask- F for further optimization of physical parameters including pH, temperature, incubation period, and inoculum percentage. Optimal conditions were identified as pH 7.0, temperature 35°C, a 6-day incubation period, and 2.5% inoculum concentration. Peptidase production was quantified using a colorimetric assay with ninhydrin, confirming enhanced enzyme activity under optimized conditions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of PBD in streamlining media optimization for microbial enzyme production.

Keywords: Plackett Burman Design, Aspergillus niger, Optimization, Colorimetric assay, Ninhydrin reagent, Peptidases.