Screening and characterization of cellulase producing bacteria from soil and waste (molasses) of sugar industry

Abstract

The aim of present work is to illustrate the screening and characterization of cellulytic bacteria from soil and waste (molasses) of sugar industry. Soil and waste samples (molasses) from Colony sugar mills Phalia, Punjab, Pakistan were used for the screening of cellulytic bacteria by serial dilution and pore plate method. Bacteria were further Characterized by morphological and biochemical tests. Submerged fermentation process was used for enzyme production. Different production parameters: temperature, pH, incubation time and substrate concentration were optimized. Soluble proteins in the culture supernatant of isolated bacteria were measured by the dye binding method of Bradford. Enzyme activity was measured by dinitrosilsalic acid (DNS) method.Out of 26 isolates six were selected on the basis of clear zone produced 7mm ≥. These six potential isolates were further screened for cellulytic activity among which one SM3-M8 exhibited promising activity of cellulase. This bacterial isolate was then characterized by morphological and biochemical tests and identified as Bacillus sp. SM3-M8 gave maximum cellulase production and activity at temperature 45oC, pH 7, CMC concentration 0.5% after 48 hours of incubation. Sugar industrial wastes provided a good source for isolation of cellulase producing bacteria. Isolation and screening and characterization of microbes for cellulase production provided a valuable and novel enzymes for the conversion of lingocellulosic waste into ethanol.