Effect of Physical Pretreatment on Microstructure of Cassava Stem Fibers and Aspergillus niger FNCC 6114 Growth through Solid State Fermentation

Aims To investigate the influence of physical pretreatment methods toward microstructure of cassava stem fiber and Aspergillus niger FNCC 6114 growth through solid state fermentation. Methodology and Results The potential of cassava stems as raw materials for bioconversion into valuable products can be monitored through the feasibility test as a growth medium for microorganism used. The feasibility test as growth medium for Aspegillus niger FNCC 6114 was done by evaluating precise pretreatment method to cassava stem. The cassava stem were pretreated physically (size reduction). The pretreated cassava stem was used as solid substrate for growth of Aspegillus niger FNCC 6114. The effect of physical pretreatment method on microstructure of cassava stem fiber was evaluated through SEM micrograph. Furthermore, during the fermentation period, growth and metabolism activities of Aspegillus niger FNCC 6114 were monitored through SEM micrograph of cultured media at 6th days fermentation, changes in glucosamine and reducing sugar levels, as well as the number of spores. Results of this research was Smaller size of cassava stem gave better growth of Aspergillus niger FNCC 6144 based on higher level of glucosamine and reducing sugar, and also amount of spores Conclusion, Significance and Impact of study Aspergillus niger FNCC 6114 was able to grow on cassava stems through solid state fermentation. For better growth of Aspergillus niger FNCC 6144 cassava stems should be physically pretreated. It can be suggested that cassava stem in small size could be used as raw material for bioconversion into sugar-based products using Aspergillus niger as its inoculum. This positive effect is also important in relation to the utilization of lignocellulosic waste from agroindustry.