Taniya Sahu, Rachana Choudhary and Pragya Kulkarni
Abstract
The bacteria capable of producing cellulase were isolated from sugar industry (Louh Purus Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sahkari Sakker Karkhana Kabirdham). Cellulase is an inducible enzyme produced by many microorganisms when they grow on cellulose based material. This study focuses on the isolation, screening and optimization of cellulase producing bacteria from sugar industry pressmud waste and characterization by morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization, according to this tests-the isolated strains were identified as Enterobacter quasihormaechei. The identified isolated bacteria were further screened for primary and secondary screening confirmation of cellulase production through congo-red decolourization and DNS method. Optimization of cellulase production was done by using physical parameters (Temperature, pH, Incubation days) and chemical parameters (Carbon and Nitrogen sources) influence the enzyme activity. Inorganic nitrogen and carbon sources were assessed for cellulase production, with sodium nitrate being the most effective nitrogen source and fructose as the best carbon source. Optimal enzyme production occurred at 37 °C, reaching its peak on the 3th day of incubation. The highest cellulase activity was observed at pH 7 and a CMC concentration of 1%. The bacterial isolate demonstrated a strong capacity for cellulase production.