Improvement of halophilic cellulase production from locally isolated fungal strain.

Halophilic cellulases from the newly isolated fungus, Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-6 were found to be useful for in situ saccharification of ionic liquids treated lignocelluloses. Efforts have been taken to improve the enzyme production through statistical optimization approach namely Plackett-Burman design and the Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD). Plackett-Burman experimental design was used to screen the medium components and process conditions.

Potential halophilic cellulases for in situ enzymatic saccharification of ionic liquids pretreated lignocelluloses.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as an alternative green solvent for lignocelluloses pretreatment. However, being a salt, ILs exhibit an inhibitory effect on cellulases activity, thus making the subsequent saccharification inefficient. The aim of the present study is to produce salt-tolerant cellulases, with the rationale that the enzyme also tolerant to the presence of ILs.