In vitro optimization for enhanced cellulose degrading enzyme from Bacillus licheniformis KY962963 associated with a microalgae Chlorococcum sp. using OVAT and statistical modeling

Abstract

Cellulase has gained interest in researchers due to its great applicability in the field of biotechnology. The Bacillus licheniformis KY962963 used in the study was isolated from Chlorococcum sp. Optimization of various physical parameters like pH, temperature, salinity and effect of co-inducers on the cellulase production (FPase and CMCase) was carried out. In crude enzyme extracts, the selected bacterial strain exhibited higher endoglucanase (CMCase) activity as compared to total cellulase activity (FPase). The highest production of cellulase was obtained with Bacillus licheniformis KY962963 when 1% (w/v) cellulose and 0.5% (w/v) peptone as co-inducers was used at 37 °C, pH 7.0, 72 h of production time where CMCase activity was found to be of 7.72 IU/ml and FPase 6.19 IU/ml. The conditions were optimized using OVAT approach which were further validated through statistical modeling. The methods used in this study has established its suitability to optimize cellulase production for its industrial applicability.