Process optimization for enhanced production of cellulases form locally isolated fungal strain by submerged fermentation

Cellulase has myriad applications in various sectors like pharmaceuticals, textile, detergents, animal feed and bioethanol production, etc. The current study focuses on the isolation, screening and optimization of fungal strain through one factor at a time technique for enhanced cellulase production. In current study sixteen different fungal cultures were isolated and the culture which quantitatively exhibits higher titers of cellulase activity was identified both morphologically and molecularly by 18S rDNA and designated as Aspergillus niger ABT11. Different parameters like fermentation medium, volume, temperature, pH and nutritional components were optimized. The highest CMCase and FPase activities was achieved in 100ml of M5 medium in the presence of 1% lactose and sodium nitrate at 30 oC, pH5 after 72 hours. The result revealed A. niger can be a potential candidate for scale up studies.