초록
<P>The biotransformation of lignocellulosic materials into biofuels and chemicals requires the simultaneous action of multiple enzymes. Since the cost of producing an efficient enzyme system maybe high, mixed cultures of microorganisms maybe an alternative to increase enzymatic production and consequently reduce costs. This study investigated the effects of different inoculum ratios and inoculation delays on the biosynthesis of cellulases and xylanases during co-cultivation of <I>Aspergillus niger</I> and <I>Trichoderma reesei</I> under solid-state fermentation (SSF). While the monoculture of <I>T. reesei</I> was more efficient for CMCase production than the co-cultivation of <I>A. niger</I> and <I>T. reesei</I>, a significant increase in β-glucosidase and xylanase production was achieved by co-cultivation of both species. The maximum CMCase activity of 153.91 IU/g was obtained with <I>T. reesei</I> after 48 h of cultivation, while the highest β-glucosidase activity of 119.71 IU/g (after 120 h) was obtained by co-cultivation of <I>A. niger</I> and <I>T. reesei</I> with a 3:1 inoculum ratio (<I>A. niger</I>: <I>T. reesei</I>). The greatest xylanase activity observed was 589.39 IU/g after 72 h of mixed culturing of <I>A. niger</I> and <I>T. Reesei</I> with a 1:1 inoculum ratio. This is the first study where the effects of inoculum ratio and inoculation delay in mixed culture of <I>T. reesei</I> and <I>A. niger</I> under SSF have been systematically assessed, and it indicates co-cultivation as a feasible alternative to increase enzymatic production.</P>