Optimization of the production of single cell Protein by Trichoderma viride and Mucor heimalis from date waste

ABSTRACT

Six mold strains were isolated from the waste of date-processing factories. Trichoderma viride and Mucor heimalis were chosen after it was asserted that they were non toxic. The factors affecting their growth were studied to find the highest rate of protein and biomass production. The best conditions for growth of T. viride were in date syrup containing 3% total soluble solid [TSS],PH 3.5 at 25C, whereas the best growth of M. heimalis were in media containing 5%TSS and pH 4at 30 C. The best nitrogen source for T. viride was 0.2% ammonium sulphate while the best nitrogen source for M. heimalis 0.2% inorganic liquid fertilizer NPK. Moreover, the best concentration of whey which resulted in the highest rate of protein and biomass was 15% for T. viride and 5% M. heimalis. The shaking culture was better than stable culture to reproduce T. viride and M. heimalis which gave the highest production of protion and biomass