Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using unconventional Parthenium hysterophorus weed biomass for the production of carboxymethyl cellulase using Bacillus sp. NAB37.
Methods
Using P. hysterophorus as a substrate and submerged fermentation conditions in optimization studies helped strain NAB37 make more enzymes. The efficacy of different physiological factors was determined through a two-step approach: first, a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) investigation, and subsequently, employing the RSM-based CCD method in statistical design. Enzymatic saccharification of alkali-acid-pretreated P. hysterophorus was also used to determine the efficacy of crude cellulase.
Results
The isolate NAB37 was identified by molecular characterization of 16SrDNA. The maximum carboxymethyl cellulase production (5.38 U/ml) was obtained with a temperature of 40°C (A), a pH of 7.5 (B), a substrate concentration of 3.0% w/v (C), and a starch concentration of 1.0% w/v (D). The alkali-acid-pretreated P. hysterophorus biomass was hydrolyzed using the crude enzyme produced under optimal conditions. On utilizing the cellulase enzyme for biomass hydrolysis, a maximum 32.78% saccharification yield (of cellulose, 0.364 g/g) was achieved in 96 h when enzyme and substrate levels were 30 FPU/100 ml and 2% (w/v), respectively.
Conclusion
It is possible to hydrolyze P. hysterophorus biomass enzymatically, producing significant amounts of total reducing sugars. Thus, it can serve as a feedstock for the production of bioethanol.