Cellulase production by the Thermophilic Fungus, Thermoascus aurantiacus

Abstract

Thermoascus aurantiacus was the most active cellulase producer of several thermphilic fungi tested. The optimum growth temperature for T. aurantiacus in liquid medium was 45° C and maximum cellulase production from filter paper occurred at 40°C. The optimum temperatue for {3-glucosidase and carboxymethylcellulase activity was 70° C; for filter paper degrading activity it was 65°C. Maximum activity was found at pH 5.0 for the filter paper degrading enzyme and glucosidase and pH 4.3 for carboxymethylcellulase activity.