Exploration of cellulose-degrading actinomycetes and immobilization

Abstract

Cellulose is the most prevalent organic polysaccharide, produced by agricultural activity, paper and pulp industries, and textile industries. Actinomycetes are able to release enzymes that can break down organic material, such as cellulose. The aim of this study was to isolate actinomycetes from soil of Rajkot, Gujarat, India, and screen their cellulase enzyme activity and immobilization of enzyme by sodium alginate. A total of 148 isolates of actinomycetes have been isolated using starch casein agar (SCA).The abilities of actinomycetes to degrade cellulose were observed by clear zone on CMC (carboxymethylcellulose ) agar medium and Cellulase assay. out of 148 isolates, 132 gave clear zone in CMC agar. 97 isolates gave < 15mm size zone, and 29 isolates gave 15 < 20 mm diameter zone. Among all 6 isolates gave the highest zone of degradation above the range of 30mm. The cellulase enzyme was immobilized by the encapsulated method with sodium alginate for more enzyme stability against unfavorable condition and to check enzyme activity at different temperatures, pH, time and concentration of NaCl. After cellulase assay and optimization studies, that enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and dialysis. After gel filtration by SDS-PAGE molecular weight of cellulase founded. By 16s rRNA sequencing SA31 was identified by streptomyces spp.