Admissions Open
Admissions Open
Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth comprising approximately 35-50% of plant dry weight. Cellulases, a group of enzymes are employed for hydrolysis of cellulose to smaller sugar components including glucose sub-units. Hence, cellulases have enormous potential and therefore continuous research has been aimed at isolating new microorganisms producing cellulases with higher specific activities and greater efficiency. The present study was aimed at isolation and screening of cellulase producing potent fungi from soil samples collected from different areas of Haryana. A total of 12 fungal isolates were isolated, out of which four fungal strains showed significant cellulase activity. The cellulase activity was assayed using carboxymethyl cellulase “CMCase” (endoglucanase) assay approach. Morphological characters of all the isolates were studied. Total reducing sugar and protein content in the culture filtrate were determined using Dinitro Salicylic Acid (DNS) method and Alkaline Copper Reagent (ACR) method, respectively. Fungal isolate A5 was found best in terms of enzyme activity releasing 10.491 mg glucose/mg protein/20 min at 40°C. Fungal isolate A3 showed moderate activity with net sugar released 5.73 mg glucose/mg protein/20 min at 40°C and A4 and A1 showed least activity with 2.173 and 2.637 mg glucose liberated/mg protein/20 min at 40°C. It was concluded that fungal isolate A5 showed significant enzyme production and can be employed in various industries and for bio-waste treatment.