Optimization of Parameters for Mycelia Growth by Schizophyllum commune and a Kinetic Model Study of its Growth Morphology

The ever expanding trend of rubberwood-based industry in Malaysia brings concerns about biodegradation problem on rubberwood for sustainable production. Conventional chemical control has been a successful method of preventing staining fungal growth. But the effects of these chemicals are of concern because they create problems for the environmental and public health. Schizophyllum commune is a well known edible white-rot fungus that is capable of producing secondary metabolites. Statistical optimization was employed to optimize the culture parameters for maximum mycelia growth of this fungus in shake flask culture. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) coupled with Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied and three experimental parameters (pH, incubation temperature and agitation) were selected. The optimum condition for the maximal growth (33.1404 g L-1) was found to be at pH 6.78, 30.23°C and 174.14 rpm, respectively. Under such condition, the predicted maximum growth was in good agreement with the experimental data with 0.213-0.602% error. The growth kinetics of the Schizophyllum commune was investigated using an unstructured kinetic model, the Logistic model. The model provide reasonable result with R2>0.9.