Artocarpus heterophyllus

The present work deals with the optimization and production Protease by Artocarpus heterophyllus as substrate in a solid state fermentation using microorganism Aspergillus flavus. Proteases are large and complex group of enzymes that plays a vital role in nutritional and regulatory activities. Proteases are essential for physiological functions in living organisms; they help in breakdown of protein food materials into amino acids, which the body can use for energy, and also play a vital role in essential processes, such as blood clotting, cell division. Solid-state fermentation is defined as a process that occurs on a non-soluble material that acts both as support and a source of nutrients, with a reduced among of water, under the action of fermenting agent. Protease enzyme production conditions like incubation time, incubation temperature, pH, inoculum level and moisture content were optimized. The fermentation time of 72hrs and the temperature of 380C, pH 5, inoculum level of 20%v/w and moisture content of 70%v/w were observed optimum for the production of Protease. Different carbon sources were screened for their influence on enzyme yield; they are glucose, sucrose, fructose and lactose used as supplements. Among these supplements sucrose gave better yield. 0.4% w/w of potassium nitrate as nitrogen source was observed optimum for the production of Protease.