Solid State Fermentation of larch (larix decidua) bark biomass

Larch (Larix decidua) bark, often considered as waste material in various industries, is a highly un-derutilized resource despite its potential for valuable applications, contains an abundance of antioxi-dants and phytoconstituents, emerges as a valuable resource for bioactive compounds. Solid State Fermentation (SSF) emerges as a promising approach to amplify the value of larch bark biomass, creating avenues for residual utilization. SSF of larch bark biomass with Aspergillus niger has demon-strated effectiveness in liberating bioactive compounds, showcasing potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. SSF as a transformative process has the capability to modify essential biomass characteristics, thereby contributing to an enriched and refined raw material. Con-sequently, SSF not only serves as a means to extract valuable bioactive compounds but also acts as a holistic method to elevate the intrinsic quality of larch bark biomass, unlocking a myriad of possibili-ties for sustainable applications and value addition. This study aims to identify the specific influence of SSF with Aspergillus niger on larch bark biomass, focusing on extractive content, lignin content, and other biomass characteristics, aiming to understand the potential improvements in the quality of larch bark biomass and extractives. Aerobic fermentation of larch bark biomass is conducted using Asper-gillus niger to release the bound compounds within the biomass. Subsequently, the liberated com-pounds are extracted using Soxhlet extraction, and the Klason Lignin content is quantified. Additional-ly, the carbohydrate content of the biomass will be analyzed to provide a comprehensive understand-ing of the biochemical composition resulting from the aerobic fermentation process. Various parame-ters such as temperature, humidity, pH, and inoculum are systematically examined to evaluate and optimize the fermentation process. Understanding the influence of these parameters is crucial for obtaining specific bioactive compounds through SSF. The results from this research contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how SSF can be utilized to enhance the bioactive potential of larch bark biomass, opening avenues for sustainable and value-added applications in various industries.