Isolation Screening and Characterization of Pectinase and Cellulase Producing Microorganisms from Various Environmental Sources and Optimization of Enzyme Production

Abstract

The increasing energy demands have focused worldwide attention on the utilization of renewable resources, particularly agricultural and forest residues. The major components of which are cellulose, starch, lignin, xylan and pectin. These materials have attracted considerable attention as an alternative feedstock and energy source, since they are abundantly available. Several microbes are capable of using these substances as carbon and energy sources by producing a vast array of enzymes in different environmental niches. The commercial application of cellulases and pectinases was firstly observed in 1930 s for wine and fruit juice preparation. Only in the 1960 s, when the chemical nature of plant tissues becomes apparent, the scientists began to use a greater range of enzymes more efficiently. As a result, cellulases and pectinases are today one of the upcoming enzymes of the commercial sector. Primarily, these enzymes are responsible for the degradation of the long and complex molecules called cellulose and pectin that occur as structural polysaccharides in the middle lamella and the primary cell walls of young plant. Cellulases and Pectinases are now an integral part of fruit juice and textile industries as well as having several biotechnological applications. Cellulosic and Pectic substances are widely distributed in (10-30%) fruits and vegetables, in turnips, peels of orange, in pulps of tomato, pineapple and lemon, hence they form important natural substrates for cellulases and pectinases. Cellulosic and Pectic substances are complex high molecular mass glycosidic macromolecules found in higher plants. They are present in the primary cell wall and are the major components of the middle lamellae, a thin extracellular adhesive layer formed between the walls of adjacent young cells. In short, they are largely responsible for the structural integrity and cohesion of plant tissues.