Optimization of Single-step Pravastatin Production by Penicillium brefeldianum ESF21P through Response Surface Methodology

The aim of the present study was to optimize the fermentation process for enhanced production of pravastatin by a wild-type Penicillium brefeldianum ESF21P strain using statistical approaches. Initial screening of significant variables influencing pravastatin production was carried out using 27-3 fractional factorial design. The seven variables involved in this study were slant age, spore concentration, inoculum volume, fermentation time, temperature, initial pH of the medium and agitation rate. Amongst these, slant age, fermentation time, initial pH of the medium and agitation rate had significant influences on pravastatin accumulation. These four variables were further optimized using the central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology.