Proximate Composition of Corn Bran as a Potential Substrate for the Production of Xylanase Using Aspergillus niger
C. S. Afangide *
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.
A. A. Orukotan
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.
S. A. Ado
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Amhadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Proximate Composition of corn bran was studied to determine its viability or efficacy as a potential substrate for the cultivation of A. niger. Corn bran for this study was obtained from a local milling house in Kaduna metropolis Nigeria and the Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC) method was applied. Our study yielded the following percentage proximate composition of corn bran: Moisture, 2.10, Ash 1.20, Crude protein 15.00, Fat 5.05, Crude fibre 49. 20 and Carbohydrate 27. 45. Our findings support the conclusion that this unique composition of corn bran is rich in fibre, carbohydrate and protein which serve as essential block for the growth of fungi such as Aspergillus niger, thereby enhancing the synthesis of xylanase and other important enzymes.
Keywords: Corn bran, proximate, xylanase, Aspergillus niger.