%0 Journal Article %A S. Gais and F. Fazouane and A. Mechakra %D 2009 %J International Journal of Nutrition and Food Engineering %B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology %I Open Science Index 30, 2009 %T Production of Milk Clotting Protease by Rhizopus Stolonifer through Optimization of Culture Conditions %U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/15170 %V 30 %X The present study describes the biosynthesis of a milkclotting protease by solid state fermentation (SSF) of a locally isolated mould, Rhizopus stolonifer. The production medium was prepared using wheat bran at 50% (w/v). The production conditions are optimized by varying 7 parameters: carbon and nitrogen sources, medium moisture, temperature, pH, fermentation time and inoculum-s size. The maximum enzyme synthesis was measured after 96 h of incubation time at temperature of 28°C. The optimum pH determined was 6 and the inoculum size was 3.106spores/ml. The optimum initial moisture content is comprised between 50 to 70%. The formation of milk clotting protease is enhanced when galactose and peptone are used at 10% (w/v) and 1% (w/v) concentrations respectively. The maximum production of milk clotting protease is 120 US/ml. %P 340 - 344