Isolation, screening and optimization for laccase production by Scytalidium lignicola pesante under submerged fermentation

Twenty Five lignolytic fungi were isolated from decaying wood samples and were screened for the laccase production using guaiacol and ABTS as indicator compounds. The positive isolates were confirmed for the presence of laccase using Azure B and quantitative enzyme assay in presence of catalase using ABTS as substrate. Further laccase producing capacity of fungus was estimated in seven different media where Czapex Dox medium showed highest enzymatic activity of 17.2 U/ml. Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, initial pH, inoculum size, incubation period, incubation temperature, inducer and inhibitor on laccase production was evaluated.