Optimization of Fungal Enzyme Production by<i>Trichoderma harzianum</i>KUC1716 through Surfactant-Induced Morphological Changes

Abstract

The morphological optimization of <i>Trichoderma harzianum</i> was carried out using several surfactants to achieve increased cellulase production. Addition of the surfactants to the culture medium successfully modified the fungal morphology from an aggregated form to a dispersed form. Optimization of the fungal morphology increased cellulase activity up to 177%. The morphologically optimized conditions enhanced the accessibility of the fungus to substrates and thus promoted cellulase production.