Characterization of Crude Cellulases From a Bacillus Sp. Isolated From Lake Bogoria, Kenya

Abstract Background The demand for a carbohydrate driven economy coupled with the abundant cellulosic biomass has driven the search for cellulases that can be applied for the utilization of the cellulosic biomass.Context of the study Of special focus for our study is cotton, which is the preferred textile fiber given its favorable high quality. In addition, sugar, which is an important feedstock for several chemical industries, can be readily produced from cellulosic biomass. Purpose of the studyWe therefore sought to characterize cellulases from favorable ecosystems in order to gauge the validity of their inclusion in cellulosic biomass industrial utilization. ConclusionWe have shown the production of saccharides from cellulosic biomass (cotton and filter paper). Further, we established the stability of the cellulases in 40% (v/v) organic solvents; propanol, methanol, ethanol. In addition, the enzymes showed tolerance to the accumulation of sugars. Moreover, the cellulase enzymes were most stable at pH 6 and demonstrated a wide activity temperature range of 20°-80°C. Optimal cellulase activity was recorded at 60°C confirming the thermophilic nature of the enzymes. Brief SummaryThis validates and shows the potential of these enzymes in co-expression bio-factories and applications requiring high sugar yields Potential ImplicationsThis work adds to the study on the activity of the pure extracted cellulases from this microorganism under review at the journal of applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. These findings substantiate the potential inclusion of either this microorganism or its isolated/extracted enzymes in the industrial processing of cellulosic biomass including but not limited to cotton and paper.