Upgradation of Recycled Pulp Using Endoglucanase Enzyme Produced by Pycnoporus sanguineus NFCCI-3628

The importance of recycling and utilization of recycled fiber has recently been recognized because of concerns about environmental issues and economic aspects. In spite of several advantages offered by paper recycling such as wood savings through substitution of virgin pulp and reduction in chemical usage, recycled pulp also contains plenty of fines having high relative surface area and high amount of amorphous cellulose. These fines adsorb water to a large extent and dewatering rate is lower compared to virgin pulp. Selective hydrolysis of these excess ultra-fines through eco-friendly cellulase enzymes can be utilized for enhancing the drainage rate leading to increased paper production. The present study deals with the isolation, production, biochemical characterization of alkali stable endoglucanase enzyme from Pycnoporus sanguineus NFCCI-3628 and its potential application for the improvement of pulp drainage. The enzyme produced by the fungus was stable even in neutral to alkaline pH range 7-8. In the experiments carried out, significant improvement of ~9-14% in drain ability of pulp treated with endoglucanase enzyme was achieved along with better paper properties such as tensile index & smoothness.