Production of cellulase enzyme from isolated fungus and its application as efficient refining aid for production of security paper

Article Type: Full Length Research Article This research highlighted the production of cellulase enzyme from isolated fungal strains and used this enzyme as potential refining agent in manufacturing security paper from cotton comber pulp. Twenty three fungal strains were isolated from soil samples collected from nearby wood based paper mill and screened for cellulolytic activity by Congo red plate method. The most potent cellulase producing fungal strains were used in the present study to optimize enzyme production at its maximum level, in respect to temperature, pH and incubation time. Cellulase enzyme was produced by isolated strains using wheat bran and bagasse pith as substrates, which are considered to be cheaper and easily available as agro-residues. Cellulase enzyme activity produced from the selected fungal strains CG-10 was found to be 29.04 IU/g for CMCase (Carboxymethyl cellulase) and 4.59 IU/g for FPase (Filter paper cellulase) using wheat bran as substrate; by solid state fermentation (SSF). The cellulase enzyme produced from the selected fungal strains was used as refining aid for cotton comber pulp, and was thus converted into value added security paper. The research also included studies on the effect of the cellulase enzyme produced from selected fungal strain; and recorded about 26% energy conservation potential during refining as well as strength properties of the paper, namely: double fold, tensile, tear and burst index. ©2015 BluePen Journals Ltd. All rights reserved