Amylase Production by Aspergillus Niger Cultured on Adansonia Digitata Seed Powder

Abstract

Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from soil were screened for their ability to produce amylase enzyme. Aspergillus niger, showed the highest amylase activity by exhibiting the widest halo on starch agar medium. The fermentation process was optimized using the following parameters pH, temperature, inoculum size, incubation period and the optimum conditions for the production of amylase. Amylase activity was determined using Dinitrosalicyclic acid (DNS) method. It was found that the amylase enzyme was produced at pH 7.9, temperature 750 C, and 10% inoculum size for 9 days incubation period gives a maximum yield. This study shows that Aspergillus niger strain was able to produce thermostable alpha amylase with characteristics suitable for application in starch processing and other food industries.