Optimization of saccharification conditions and sugar production by endoglucanase from Rhizopus oryzae PR7 MTCC 9642 using response surface methodology

The effects of saccharification time, Mn2+ concentration and enzyme concentration on saccharification of cellulose by endoglucanase from Rhizopus oryzae were optimized by statistical analysis using response surface methodology. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize sugar production by implementing the Central Composite design. The optimal conditions for higher production of sugar fromcellulose were: time 12min 30secs, Mn2+ concentration 0.37% (w/v) and enzyme concentration 0.82% (v/v). Under these conditions, the model predicted a sugar production of 3.55mg/ml. Verification of the optimization showed that sugar production of 3.2 mg/ml was observed under the optimal experimental conditions. Value of correlation coefficient (R2 0.9973) and significant value for model p < 0.0001 indicated validity of model fitness and adequate for optimization.