BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN AMYLASE PRODUCTION FROM ASPERGILLUS NIGER FOR POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

The growing demand for efficient and sustainable enzyme production has sparked interest in microbial sources, particularly for industrial applications. Amylases are vital enzymes in modern biotechnology, with applications spanning pharmaceutical, food, and textile industries. Among the various sources of amylase, microbial production, particularly from Aspergillus niger, has proven to be the most efficient for industrial use. This study highlights biotechnological advances in amylase production through solid-state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran as a substrate. A strain of Aspergillus niger isolated from soil was selected for its superior enzyme production, with maximum yields observed after 4 to 5 days of incubation at 40°C and pH 7.0. Key factors such as incubation time, temperature, pH, and substrate concentration were optimized to enhance the enzyme yield. Soluble starch was added which boosted amylase production. Lowry method was used to confirm the protein concentration after ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis were used to purify the amylase. With strong activity over a broad pH range (4.0–7.0) and temperature range (30–42 °C), the partially purified enzyme is appropriate for a number of industrial applications. These results highlight the possibility of A. niger amylase as an affordable and environmentally friendly option for use in textiles, starch processing, and other industries that need thermostable enzymes. The current study offers viable path for increasing the production of microbial amylase and providing economical and sustainable answers to industrial requirements.