Cellulase production and activity by Trichoderma sp. A‐001

Abstract

Trichoderma species A‐001 was grown on various carbon and nitrogen sources supplemented with surfactants on shake cultures. Although the degree of growth was variable, the organism grew on all carbon substrates. Large amounts of the cellulase enzyme components were released into the growth medium during growth on filter paper. In the filter paper containing medium, the organism produced 167 U/ml of carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), 18 U/ml of filter paper activity (FPase) and 49 U/ml of beta‐glucosidase activity (BGDase). Wheat straw and grass were better carbon sources than cotton or barley husks. Nitrogen in the form of KNO 3 was better than NH 4 Cl or urea in facilitating the production of cellulase. Of the surfactants used, Tween‐80 at 0.2% concentration in the medium increased the production of cellulase several‐fold. All the cellulase components were optimally active in the assay at pH 5.5 and 60°C. CMCase and FPase lost 20–33% of their activities when kept at 60°C for 4 h before assaying. On the other hand, BGDase was moderately stable; it lost only 37% of its activity when maintained at 70°C for 4 h.