Abstract
Background/Objectives: The importance of enzymatic bioconversion of cellulose cannot be understated and enzyme systems which complement existing enzymes, with broad ranges of pH and temperatures and hydrolyze cellulose synergistically with other enzymes are required for bioconversions. The study was undertaken to isolate and characterize cellulolytic organisms. Methodology: Isolation of cellulolytic strains from soil samples with degrading cellulosic wastes, screening and species level identification of Fungal strain was conducted. Stability of the enzyme systems over different pH and temperature and purification study of enzymes were carried out. Results: Fungal isolate, which exhibited 0.08 IU of filter paper (FP) activity, 0.33 IU of Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) activity and 15IU of xylanase activity was selected and identified as Aspergillus flavipes. Purification by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography yielded a typical endoglucanase, a fraction showing activity with both avicel and caboxy mthyl cellulase(CMC) and a third fraction against CMC and avicel. GPC of third fraction showed that the enzymes had cross reactivity to the substrates used. Conclusion: Our study proved that Aspergillus flavipes is capable of degrading lignocellulose and its FP activity and CMC activity was higher than other isolates and was comparable to enzymes of a standard strain T. koninjii. To our knowledge this study is the first detailed report of a system of cellulases, suitable for saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass alone or synergistically with other enzymes produced by Aspergillus flavipes. Keywords: Filter paper activity; CMC; glucosidase; endoglucanase; pNPG; lignocellulosic b saccharification
Highlights
Cellulose, the most predominant organic polymer on earth, is a polysaccharide carbohydrate which is continually replenished by photosynthetic reduction of carbon dioxide that is catalyzed by sunlight
The microorganisms and their cellulase production profiles is highly dependent on factors like differences in fermentation conditions, media composition, and raw materials employed for cellulase production
The filter paper (FP) activity was found to be more thermostable than endoglucanase activity contrary to reported cases of T reesei cellulases, this enzyme complex could be paired with T reesei cellulases for commercial applications resulting in a highly effective cocktail of enzymes
Summary
The most predominant organic polymer on earth, is a polysaccharide carbohydrate which is continually replenished by photosynthetic reduction of carbon dioxide that is catalyzed by sunlight. Dina et al / Indian Journal of Science and Technology 2021;14(15):1219–1232 is the key factor responsible for utilizing cellulosic wastes. The cellulosic wastes, such as municipal waste, agricultural wastes and animal manure act as feedstock for production of chemicals, food and energy. The amalgamation of different enzymes is an essential factor for the efficient degradation of cellulose. The mechanism of synergism or amalgamation needs to be studied as it would be instrumental in designing efficient enzyme mixtures for cellulose degradation[3]. Ion-exchange chromatography is the widely accepted method of cellulase purification, as it has high resolving power, high capacity, simple operational mode, and is highly robust, generic and economical in addition [4]
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