Abstract
The study was undertaken to characterize cellulase produced by microorganisms isolated
from the soil. Cellulolytic bacteria and fungi were isolated from soil samples collected from
ten different locations within Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Organisms were grown in a
minimal medium containing carboxymethylcellulose for the production of cellulolytic
enzymes. Endoglucanase activity of culture filtrates which represents the crude enzyme
was determined using DNS reagent. Bacillus subtilis was identified using molecular
technique; and fungal isolates by macroscopic and microscopic methods. Bacillus subtilis,
Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium italicum showed relatively high
cellulase activity with diameter of clearance zone of 10, 8, 9, and 10mm respectively, and
were used in the fermentation process. The endoglucanase activity of the crude enzymes
ranged from 1.64 to 1.74IUml-1. Optimum activity was obtained at temperature range of
30 to 700
C, pH between 3 and 9 and substrate concentrations of 1 to 5%. This study
showed that highly cellulolytic fungi and bacteria that can be used in lignocellulosic
ethanol production are available in the environment. A further study might discover a
novel organism that could be modified genetically for improved cellulose activity.
Comments: no replies