Abstract

Cellulases are a group of hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of degrading all types of cellulosic agricultural waste materials. In this study various agricultural wastes were screened for cellulase producers using CMC (Carboxy methyl cellulose) media. The bacterial isolate from sugarcane bagasse, was found to be the best cellulase producer. This isolate was identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens by 16S rRNA typing, the sequence of which is deposited in NCBI with accession number MF508700. The cellulase production potential of the isolate was further assessed quantitatively Dinitro-Salicylic acid (DNS). The isolate performed well at pH 5.0 and at an incubation temperature of 37ºC. Maximum yield was obtained after an incubation period of 48h. The isolate was found to be capable of producing cellulase from sugarcane, banana peel and vegetable waste (cucumber peel) at a level of 0.48U/ml, 0.33 U/ml and 0.23U/ml respectively under the experimental conditions. The crude enzyme extract was found to be a good clarifier of fruit juices. The isolate was found to be capable of utilizing whey, the major byproduct of dairy industry as a carbon source to produce bioethanol. The ability of the isolate to produce proteases and lipases is suggestive of high industrial potential of the isolate obtained in this work.



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