Optimization of cellulose production by bacteria isolated from saw dust

Cellulase enzymes are of enormous value in various industries as well as in treatment of wastes particularly lignocellulosic wastes. This high degree of applications of cellulase necessitates inexhaustible search for more sources of these enzymes. The aim of this study was to optimize the production of cellulase by bacteria from saw dust. Bacteria were isolated from sawdust samples, characterized phenotypically and screened for cellulase production. The production of the enzyme was optimized using different carbon and nitrogen sources, temperature, pH and lignocellulosic wastes. Five cellulase-producing bacteria were isolated and identified as A72 and A74 (Bacillus spp.) B32, B53 and 2B53 (Pseudomonas spp.). Two percent (2%) of carboxymethyl cellulose and 1 % yeast extract gave the highest cellulase production for all the isolates except A72 in the case of yeast extract while pH 6.0 was preferred for maximum enzyme production for all except 2B53 which preferred pH 7. The highest sugar was produced by isolate 2B53 (1.38±0.54 mg/ml) in the presence of sawdust among the lignocellulosic wastes. This study showed that the cellulase produced by these isolates can be used to generate sugar for industrial uses from lignocellulosic wastes and plant origin.Keywords: Bacteria, Sawdust, Cellulase, Pseudomonas, Bacillu