Production of cellulase enzymes by Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp isolated from anthill soil

Cellulase turns the most widespread biopolymer and biologically sustainable resource, 'cellulose,' into reducing sugar. The study aimed at producing cellulase enzymes by bacteria isolated from anthill soil. Cellulase-producing bacteria were isolated from anthill soil using Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) medium. The isolates were screened for cellulase production by cultural, morphological, biochemical and sugar fermentation tests. Optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum cellulase production was carried out by one factor at a time (OFAT). Data obtained were analysed with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 2007, version 16.0. The identified Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, E. coli and Bacillus sp were isolated with highest potential of cellulase production. The culture conditions like pH, temperature, carbon sources and nitrogen sources were optimized. The optimum conditions found for cellulase production were 40oC at pH 8.5 with maltose as carbon source and yeast extract as nitrogen source. The highest activity and stability of cellulase enzymes between neutral to alkaline pH and high temperature.