The effects of cations addition on pellet morphology and polygalacturonase (PG) synthesis by Aspergillus niger 3T5B8 were studied and compared with a control system. Fe(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) were added to the fermentation medium separately, and also as combined groups of cations. The addition of Fe2+ and/or Zn2+ ions was significantly positive to the enzyme production. A positive effect in the biomass content, however, was only obtained when the same metal ions were added separately. On the other hand, Cu2+ and Mn2+ ions had almost no effect on these parameters. The morphology of the pellets was studied by image processing techniques. Small pellets with small cores were usually obtained when Fe2+ and Zn2+ ions were individually or collectively added to the medium. The pellets produced in media containing Fe2+ or Zn2+ ions were compact, while the ones produced in a medium containing both cations were considered diffuse. Autolysis of the core was observed for large control pellets, due to the deficient nutrient transfer to the interior of the pellet. The pellets obtained in a medium containing both Fe2+ and Zn2+ ions were high enzyme producers, probably due to a loose morphology, induced by the presence of combined groups of metal ions in the medium, favoring the nutrient transfer.
metal ions; polygalacturonase; pellet morphology
