Isolation and characterization of four cellulose-decomposing thermophilic fungal strains from Xinjiang

Abstract:

Four thermophilic fungal strains producing cellulase (50 °C) were isolated from the compost of cotton residue in Xinjiang, having the ability of acid-resistant (the optimal pH is 4.5) and temperature-resistant (the highest temperature is 60 °C). The enzyme activities were measured using multiple substrates, such as sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC-Na), microcrystalline cellulose, cotton, filter paper, starch and pectin. The highest filter paper enzyme activity (FPA) is 2.63 U/mL, the amylase activity is 6.17 U/mL and the pectinase activity is 5.86 U/mL. It was showed that these fungal strains and their secreted enzymes have great potential on cellulolytic biomass (cotton residue) degradation and utilization.

Key words:Temperature, Cellulolytic fungi, Cellulase, Cotton residue