Production of an extracellular carboxymethyl cellulase from Exiguobacterium aurantiacum AN2 by submerged fermentation

Abstract

Exiguobacterium aurantiacum AN2 which was isolated from an ancient archaeological manuscript kept in Al- Azhar library at Cairo, Egypt which exhibited a potent ability to produce an extracellular carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase). The effect of various parameters on the production of CMCase by the strain was studied. Maximum production was obtained in medium contained 0.5 % (w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose as a substrate. Lactose, carboxymethyl cellulose and yeast extract were the best carbon and nitrogen sources promoted enzyme production respectively. Maximum production was achieved at pH 7-10, temperature 37 0C, shaking rate 150 rpm, 2 % (v/v) inoculum size, after 96 hours of incubation period. Filter paper was efficiently degraded by the present enzyme than cotton.