Optimization of Production and Characterization of Cellulase Enzymes from <i>Nigrospora oryzae </i>(Berk and Br.) Petch for Biomass Saccharification and Ethanol Production

This study aimed to isolate and optimize cellulase production by Nigrospora oryzae from decaying wood. N.oryzae was screened for cellulase enzymes production using carboxyl methyl cellulase congo red. Cellulase enzymes production was carried out using maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse as substrates and optimize using one variable at a time procedure. Maximum total cellulase activity (Fpase) were 11.3&plusmn;0.94 IU/ml and 8.9&plusmn;0.47IU/ml on maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse respectively after 9 days of incubation. Highest endoglucanase activity were 19.7&plusmn;1.74 IU/ml and 15.5&plusmn;0.76 IU/ml of maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse respectively after 12days of incubation. Maximum exoglucanase activity were 3.46 &plusmn;0.25IU/ml and 2.06&plusmn;0.11IU/ml on maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse after 9 and 15 days of incubation respectively. Effect of pH on cellulase production varied on the substrates after 3 and 6 days of incubation. Inorganic nitrogen sources (NH4)2SO4 and NH4N03 organic peptone and urea significantly increased cellulase production. Several soluble carbon sources such as fructose, mannitol, galactose, sucrose and glucose also enhance cellulase enzyme production. A mixture substrate ratio of 1:2.5to 1:3.0 resulted in maximum cellulase production. Enzyme laoding of 5% and substrate loading of 15% for maize cobs and 10% sugarcane bagasse resulted. In maximum reducing sugars production Maximum ethanol was obtained with substrate concentration 5%, 10% and 15% by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation with saccharomyces cerevisaie and 10FPu enzymes.