Characteristics of the cellulase produced by Myceliophthora thermophila D-14

Abstract

A thermophilic fungus, isolated from the city wastes and identified as Myceliophthora thermophila D-14, produces cellulase and β-glucosidase. The optimum pH, temperature, and incubation period for extracellular enzymes acting on different types of cellulosic substrates were determined. The apparent Km values of these enzymes were ascertained by using culture filtrates. Partial purification of the enzymes was carried out by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and gel filtration. Electrophoresis of the fractions obtained from gel filtration revealed at least eight components in the enzymes. The involvement of all the components for degradation of native cellulosic wastes, especially cotton, was determined and synergestic effects were indicated.