Optimization of Fermentation Medium for Pullulan Production by <i>Aureobasidium pullulans</i> A225 Using Plackett-Burman and Response Surface Methodology

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the medium based on the PlackettBurman and Central-Composite Designs for the production of pullulan using a strain of Auerobasidium pullulans A225 . Peptone, K 2 HPO 4 , and MgSO 4 were found to have significant effects on pullulan production using the PlackettBurman Design. The steepest ascent experiment was adopted to determine the optimal region of the medium composition. The concentrations of the three above mentioned compounds were further optimized using the Central-Composite Design. Results showed that the final concentration of medium optimized using RSM was 6.34 g/L peptone, 7.91 g /L K 2 HPO 4 , and 0.46 g/L MgSO 4 . Production of pullulan reached 72.56 g/L under the optimized medium.