Media formulation for cellulase mediated biotransformation of cellulose from wood sawdust waste: Screening, Extracellular production and Optimization of cellulase from a newly isolated Fungal strain C-2 for prospective industrial use

Abstract

Abstract Microorganisms populate the most extreme environments due to their incredible capacities of adaptation and biotransformation, based on a genetic potential and biosynthetic pathways of a great diversity. Industrial or agricultural residues are generated in large quantity all over the world and contribute to the global pollution of our biosphere. The current study implies the recycling and the valorization of agro-industrial carbon wastes to produce industrially valuable extracellular cellulase from a newly isolated fungal strain C-2. Cellulase has numerous applications in various food based bioprocesses such as fruit juices clarification and synthesis of single cell protein, glucose syrup, bioethanol and confectioneries. In the present study, fungal strain C-2 extracellularly released high quantity of cellulase at 30°C and pH-03 after 120 min. Among various agro-industrial wastes, 0.2% wood sawdust proved best inducer for cellulase production. It was noticed that the production of cellulase increased when 0.1% yeast extract and ammonium sulfate were used as nitrogen sources. The productivity of cellulase significantly improved after the addition of 0.1% dihydrogen potassium phosphate, 0.2% sodium chloride, 0.002% iron sulfate and 0.02% magnesium sulfate in fermentation medium. It is evident from this study that the newly synthesized cellulase from fungal strain C-2 can be exploited to meet the increasing demand of various industries.