M. K. UPADHYAY, AJAY KUMAR AND A. K. PANDEY
Abstract
A total of twelve isolates of Penicillium species isolated from different soil samples were screened for their ability to produce amylases. A selected strain, Penicillium chrysogenum (FGC/JNU201) revealed the high amylase activity in solid state culture. Different substrates and their combinations were screened for optimization of enzyme production. Individually groundnut oil cake, wheat bran and rice bran were found to be very good substrates for enzyme production where as the combinations of groundnut oil cake and rice bran in ratio of 1:2 exhibited higher enzyme titre. The enzyme amylase was found to be thermotolerant and active at wide range of pH and temperatures.