Abstract: Plackett-Burman statistical screening of media
constituents and operational conditions for extracellular lipase
production from isolate Trichoderma viride has been carried out in
submerged fermentation. This statistical design is used in the early
stages of experimentation to screen out unimportant factors from a
large number of possible factors. This design involves screening of
up to 'n-1' variables in just 'n' number of experiments. Regression
coefficients and t-values were calculated by subjecting the
experimental data to statistical analysis using Minitab version 15.
The effects of nine process variables were studied in twelve
experimental trials. Maximum lipase activity of 7.83 μmol /ml /min
was obtained in the 6th trail. Pareto chart illustrates the order of
significance of the variables affecting the lipase production. The
present study concludes that the most significant variables affecting
lipase production were found to be palm oil, yeast extract, K2HPO4,
MgSO4 and CaCl2.