Optimization Of Cellulase Production By Various Species Isolated From Cellulose Rich Sites

Abstract

Cellulase is group of enzymes responsible for degradation of cellulose, a plant polymer. Cellulase has vast applications in various industries and hence continuous research is going on for better source of cellulase. Among all the different types of sources, microorganisms are found to be a prominent source of enzymes. As microorganisms can be easily isolated, grown and maintained for longer duration, making them potential enzyme producers. Industrial scale production through various types of fermentation enables large scale production. These microorganisms can be easily isolated from garden and nursery soil, sawmills and other wood contaminated area. Here, a study was carried out to isolate potential microorganisms capable of cellulase production for industrial applications. Samples were collected from five different sites having probable higher population of cellulase producers. Media having carboxymethyl cellulose as sole carbon source was used for selective screening of cellulase producers. Based on the zone of clearance assay, six potential microorganisms were selected and optimized for cellulase production. Concentration of carbon sources, type of nitrogen source, temperature, time and pH were the key factors which were optimized in the study. Based on the results of the study, it was found that out of six isolated, 3 belongs to Streptomyces species, 2 belongs to Pseudomonas species and 1 belongs to Jonesia. Streptomyces and Pseudomonas are among the most common producers but here we have also got a less common producer from Jonesia family. Highest enzyme activity of around 4.1U/mL was found in the cellulase obtained from Streptomyces glomeratus strain NVJ01. Optimization has shown that, CMC concentration of 1.0% with ammonium nitrate gave highest production when incubated for 48 hrs. at 6.5 pH and 35ºC.