Induction and optimization of cellulases using various agro-wastes by Trichoderma virdii: Effect of alkali pretreatment

Abstract

This study presents optimization of various lignocellulosics and alkali pretreatment for maximum cellulase production by Trichoderma virdii sp. Maximum endoglucanase (642 IU/L) and exoglucanase (187IU/L) activity was achieved with maize straw at 5% concentration. Oat hay was the most suitable agro-waste for β - glucosidase (7100 IUL^-1) production followed by maize straw (6500 IUL^-1). Maize straw was chosen in an effort to enhance cellulase production with 0.1 N NaOH, 0.5 N NaOH and I.0 N NaOH pretreatment. 0.1 N NaOH produced desirable results showing 2.5, 1.6, and 1.7 fold increase in endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β-glucosidase activity. This 0.1 N pretreated straw produced reducing sugars 3.5 times more than untreated straw.

Keywords: Lignocellulosics, maize straw, cellulase production, Trichoderma virdii, alkali pretreatment

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(31) 3426-3432