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Studies on cellulases of some cellulose-degrading soil fungi

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Abstract

In this study, novel cellulolytic fungal strains were isolated, purified, and identified. The ability of these isolates to biodegrade cellulosic materials was examined. The potential of the isolates to produce cellulolytic enzymes and optimize the cellulose degradation process was also investigated. The nylon net bag technique was used to separate cellulose-degrading fungi from soil. A total of 37 species were isolated and tested for their capacity to break down rice straw as a cellulose source. Qualitative assays for cellulase were carried out by Congo red plate assay, while quantitative assays were carried out using the dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method at 546 nm. Following morphological and molecular identification, the isolates that exhibited the highest cellulase activities were identified as Neurospora intermedia (Assiut University Mycological Center (AUMC) 14359), Fusarium verticillioides (AUMC 14360), and Rhizopus oryzae (AUMC 14361). For N. intermedia, the optimal conditions for maximum activity were a 2% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) concentration, beef extract and peptone as nitrogen sources, pH 7, 30 °C, and an inoculum size of 2.5 (v/v). For F. verticillioides, the optimal conditions were 2.5% CMC concentration, yeast extract as a nitrogen source, pH 6, 30 °C, and an inoculum size of 2 (v/v). For R. oryzae, the optimal conditions were 2% CMC concentration, beef extract as a nitrogen source, pH 7, 30 °C and an inoculum size of 2.5 (v/v). The identified strains represent new starter strains with high efficiency under optimum conditions for prospective large-scale application in cellulose degradation and nanocellulose production-dependent water purification.

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accessed from the GenBank. R. oryzae AUMC 14361 showed 100% similarity with various strains of the same species including the type strain Rhizopus oryzae NR5103595T

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Acknowledgements

This work is dedicated to late Ass. prof. Abdel Aziz, O.A Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyption Atomic Energy Authority and prof. Dr. El-sayed, T.E Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Banha University. Many thanks also to Lecturer Khalifa, O.S.M soil and water research and lecturer Amira G. Zaki Plant Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority for providing guidance throughout the project work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt

    G. A. Helal

  2. Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt

    R. R. Khalil

  3. Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyption Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 13759, Egypt

    Y. G. Galal, S. M. Soliman & Rofaida S. Abd Elkader

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  1. G. A. Helal
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Contributions

HGA suggested the point of research, planned and designed the research, KhRR participated in data representation and manuscript writing, revising, and editing. GYG conceived and designed the research, participated in data analysis and representation, and participated in manuscript revising and editing. SSM conceived and designed research, investigated the article, provided a practical guidance, and participated in manuscript revising and editing. RSA conducted experimental methodology, participated in data analysis and representation, wrote the original draft and participated in manuscript revising and editing. All authors read and approved the article.

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Correspondence to Rofaida S. Abd Elkader.

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Helal, G.A., Khalil, R.R., Galal, Y.G. et al. Studies on cellulases of some cellulose-degrading soil fungi. Arch Microbiol 204, 65 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-021-02705-9

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