Cellulase production from waste paper using <i>Trichoderma</i> species isolated from rhizospheric soil

Abstract

The recent interest in bioconversion of cellulosic wastes to value added chemicals has led to extensive studies on microorganisms capable of producing the enzyme. The possibility of using waste paper for the production of cellulase by Trichoderma species isolated from the soil was investigated using submerged fermentation technique. The fermentation temperature and pH were varied. Results indicated that maximum cellulase production of 0.18 IU/ml/min was obtained at 96 h. Maximal enzyme activity was at pH 5 when compared to the activity obtained at pH of 6.0 (0.11 IU/ml/min) and 7.0 (0.06 IU/ml/min). Incubation temperature influenced the cellulase production greatly with about 50% of the cellulase activity lost when the temperature was switched from 28 to 37°C. The cultivation and application of the organism in cellulose hydrolysis will lead to efficient conversion of cellulose materials to other important products.

Key words: Cellulose, Trichoderma, cellulase, submerged, fermentation, wastepaper.