Cellulase and protein production from mixed cultures of Trichoderma viride and a yeast

Abstract

Fermentations with mixed cultures of the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma viride and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Candida utilis were examined. The fermentations were carried out in an aerated 5 liter fermentor with NaOH treated barley straw as the cellulose source (2-4%). Yeast was inoculated 24-32 hr after the fungus and the growth of the two organisms was followed through the production of CO2 and cell protein. In comparison with fermentations with T. viride alone, the production time for maximum yields of cellulases and cell protein was reduced by several days, depending on the straw concentrations. The protein content of the growth product was 21-22% and the amino acid composition of the product resembled that of T. viride alone.