Screening of cellulase enzyme production by bacillus sp. isolated from Turkish soils, nutritional optimization, partial purification of enzyme, characterization and effectiveness of plant waste removal in wool fabric

In this study, 54 out of 100 Bacillus sp. strains were found as extracellular cellulase producers. The best cellulase producing strain was identified by 16S rRNA as Bacillus substilis and named 171ES. This new isolate was quantitatively tested for enzyme production capacity in 3 different liquid media. Maltose was determined as the best carbon source, skim milk powder as the best nitrogen source and LiSO4 as the best metal ion. 171ES strain showed a 6,6 fold increase in enzyme production in the modified medium created by optimizing nutritional conditions. Optimum temperature and pH of the partially purified enzyme were 50°C and 7.0, respectively. Thermostability studies showed that the enzyme is thermostable. MnSO4 and BaCl2 ions had an activating effect on enzyme activity. Vmax and Km kinetic values of the enzyme were found to be 63,7 U/ml and 0,0064 mM, respectively. The molecular weight of the enzyme was determined to be 73 kDa. The potential of the enzyme to remove vegetable waste from woolen fabrics was investigated and the enzyme was found to be effective. Cellulase produced by 171ES bacteria may have the potential to be used in the textile industry among many other industries.