Abstract

Nigerloxin (2-amido-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-5-methyle-4-(prop-1’enyl) benzoic acid) is a Lipoxygenase and Aldose reductase inhibitor produced by Aspergillus niger MTCC 5116. It is produced only under solid state fermentation (SSF) and the inoculum required for the inhibitor production is developed in submerged condition. As this is a newly discovered enzyme inhibitor with potential commercial success against diabetic complications, such as neuropathy and cataract, its complete fermentation process parametric study is not reported.  In this study, the role of physical parameters (spore suspen-sion, initial pH, incubation temperature and agitation) in spore germination and pellet size in inoculum development broth in submerged fermentation for the enhanced production of nigerloxin through SSF has been studied. It was concluded that 500 µl of spore suspension in the inoculum development broth at pH 7, incubated at 30°C and 200 rpm gave an ideal  pellet size 1.23 mm resulting in 6.0 mg of nigerloxin/g dry weight of wheat bran in SSF.

Key words: Nigerloxin, spore germination, solid state fermentation, Aspergillus niger.