Production and characterization of a xylanase from Cyathus stercoreus

Cyathus stercoreus grown on wheat straw had a higher xylanase activity than when it was grown on rice husk or extracted hemicellulose. Inclusion of casein hydrolysate, Tween 80 and Mn²⁺ (at 0.02%, 0.2% and 0.075%, respectively) increased the production of extracellular xylanase. Optimal yield of xylanase (0.73 U/ml) was at pH 5.6 after 9 to 12 days at 30°C. The xylanase was stable at pH 4.5 to 7.5 for 2h but above 50°C its stability fell sharply.The authors are with the Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110021, India;