OPTIMIZATION OF ASPERGILLUS TUBINGENSIS GROWTH FOR CELLULASE PRODUCTION

Abstract

Celluloses are the basic component of plant cell walls which are difficult to break however, cellulase enzymes have the ability to degrade the cellulose into glucose. The use of celullase enzymes is spreading widely particularly in the paper, pulp and food industries to reduce biowaste. The purpose of this study was to optimize the production of cellulase enzymes by using fungal strain Aspergillus tubingensis. The fungal strain Aspergillus tubingensis was extracted from putrid fruits and vegetable samples collected from the local fruit market of Pattoki in the District Kasur. The identification of fungus was carried out using microscope. Corn Stover was used as a substrate for cellulase production. Different parameters were used for the optimization of fungus growth such as substrate level, substrate particle size, temperature, pH, moisture, urea and glucose. Cellulase enzymes were purified by salting out and gel filtration techniques. The optimum substrate level, substrate particle size, temperature, pH, glucose, urea and moisture were analyzed as 5g, 40mm, 40°C, 4.5pH, 0.5g, 0.04g and 60% respectively. The maximum activity reveled by cellulase enzyme at different optimized parameters were reported in U/mL/min. The cellulase molecular weight was determined 71  kDa by Dodecyl Sulphate Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. It was concluded that the study will help to a way for the scientists for the maximum production of cellulase from Aspergillus tubingensis using Corn stover as substrate and most cost-effective Solid State Fermentation method.