We have found a way to reduce the cost of cellulase by up to 60% by creating a stationary phase cellulase production. Cellulase is a critical enzyme used in biofuel, textile, and paper industries. Typically, this enzyme is made by growing a fungus, Trichoderma reesei, in a submerged or solid state fermentation. The enzyme is a liquid product released by the cells to eat cellulose (plant materials).
In this work, we show that phosphorus limitation allows us to produce cellulase as a secondary metabolite (not related to growth). This method allows us to stop the fungus from growing (and producing excessive biomass) and instead focus resources into product (cellulase) production. These changes can be coupled with both fungal pellet formation for easy separation and long-term product formation. As shown the supplementary materials, the cost of cellulase production can be reduced by 60% with lower carbon source waste and reduced water usage.
Details from this work will be published in Enzyme and Microbial Technology.