Microbial cellulase production and stability investigations via graphene like carbon nanostructure derived from paddy straw

Abstract

Cellulases are among the most in-demand bioprocess enzymes, and the high cost of production, combined with their low enzymatic activity, is the main constraint, particularly in the biofuels industry. As a result, low-cost enzyme production modes with high activity and stability have emerged as the primary focus of research. Here, a method for producing a graphene like carbon nanostructure (GLCNs) has been investigated utilizing paddy straw (Ps), and its physicochemical characteristics have been examined using a variety of techniques including XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TEM. Further, the pretreatment of Ps feedstock for cellulase production was done using diluted waste KOH liquid collected during the preparation of the GLCNs. To increase the production and stability of the enzyme, newly prepared GLCNs is utilized as a nanocatalyst. Using 15 mg of GLCNs, 35 IU/gds FP activity was seen after 72 h, followed by 158 IU/gds EG and 114 IU/gds BGL activity in 96 h. This nanocatalyst supported enzyme was thermally stable at 70 °C up to 15 h and exhibited stability at pH 7.0 for 10 h by holding 66 % of its half-life.