Multi-enzyme production by Cellulomonas sp. grown on wheat straw

Cellulomonas sp. isolated from silkworm and rabbit’s waste secreted carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), cellobiase, filter paperase (Fpase), xylanase, amylase and manganese peroxidase during growth of wheat straw. Some enzymes remained cell membrane bound, but could be released by various treatments, the highest yields via sonication. Carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase and Fpase activities had pH optima of 6.0, 5.5 and 6.0 respectively. CMCase and cellobiase activities both had an optimum temperature of 50°C whereas Fpase had an optimum temperature of 45°C. The pH and optimal temperature for xylanase activity were 6.0 and 50°C respectively. The activities of thermostable α-amylase and manganese peroxidase by Cellulomonas are reported for the first time.