Production of cellulase in a rotating disc fermenter using immobilized Trichoderma reesei cells

The production of cellulase was investigated in repeated batch experiments using immobilized cells of two Trichoderma reesei mutants in a rotating disc fermenter under very low shear stress. The enzyme production with one of the mutants was maintained for three successive batch cycles (ca. 30 days), while with the other mutant the cellulase formation lasted only one batch cycle (14 days) because of a genetic instability. The enzymatic hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose by the cellulase complex formed in the rotating disc fermenter is distinctly higher than that of cellulase produced in a stirred tank reactor, in which the higher shear stress partially damages the enzyme molecules, mainly those of cellobiohydrolase. The higher specific activity of the cellulase produced in the disc fermenter correlates with its higher capacity of adsorption onto microcrystalline cellulose.     

Measurement and characterization of cellulase activity in sclerophyllous forest litter

Cellulases are enzymatic proteins which hydrolyze cellulose polymers to smaller oligosaccharides, cellobiose and glucose. They consist in three major types of enzymes: endoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.4), cellobiohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.91) and beta-glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21) which play an essential role in carbon turnover of forest ecosystem. The aim of this study was firstly to determine the parameters (i.e. buffer type, pH, temperature, quantity of litter, incubation time and reagent type) which affect the measurement of cellulase activity in a sclerophyllous forest litter, and secondly to compare two methods for measuring cellulase activity: a direct method and an extraction method. In the direct method, the litter was directly incubated with a buffered solution containing the enzyme substrate, whereas in the extraction method, the cellulases were firstly extracted before measuring their activity. The results were compared with other studies about soil cellulase activity, and it appeared that several parameters (buffer type, pH, temperature and sample quantity) which influence the measurement of cellulase activity differ according to whether a soil or a litter is considered. Concerning the procedure used for the measurement of cellulase activity, results showed that the activity values were higher when using an extraction procedure than when using a direct procedure. The extraction procedure, combined with a concentration stage of the extract, also allowed electrophoretic analysis (PAGE) of the cellulases extracted from the litter. The electrophoretic pattern revealed two cellulase isoenzymes which may be related to the occurrence of two pH-activity peaks of these enzymes when citrate buffer was used for the measurement of cellulase activity in the litter.     

High-yield cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei ZU-02 on corn cob residue

Cellulase production using corn cob residue from xylose manufacture as substrate was carried out by Trichoderma reesei ZU-02. It was found that on the same cellulose basis, the cellulase activity and yield produced on corn cob residue were comparable with that on purified cellulose. Under batch process, the optimum concentration of substrate was 40 g/l and the optimum C/N ratio was 8.0. In 500 ml flasks, cellulase activity reached 5.25 IU/ml (213.4 IU/g cellulose) after seven days' cultivation. In a 30 m(3) stirred fermenter for large scale production, cellulase and cellobiase activity were 5.48 IU/ml (222.8 IU/g cellulase) and 0.25 IU/ml (10.2 IU/g cellulose), respectively, after four days' submerged fermentation. The produced cellulase could effectively hydrolyze the corn cob residue, and the yield of enzymatic hydrolysis reached 90.4% on 10% corn cob residue (w/v) when the cellulase dosage was 20 IU/g substrate.     

A Shortcut to the Optimization of Cellulase Production Using the Mutant Trichoderma reesei YC-108

Trichoderma reesei YC-108, a strain isolated by a kind of newly invented plate was found to over produce cellulase and it was then used as a cellulase producer. To get the maximum amount of cellulase, the combination of the medium ingredients, which has a profound influence on metabolic pathway was optimized using response surface methodology. The optimum composition was found to be 24.63 g/L wheat bran, 30.78 g/L avicel, and 19.16 g/L soya-bean cake powder. By using the optimized medium, the filter paper activity (FPA) increased nearly five times to 15.82 IU/mL in a 30 L stirred fermenter, carboxymethyl cellulase activity (CMCase) was increased from 83.02 to 628.05 IU/mL and the CMCase/FPA ratio was nearly doubled compared with the parent strain at initial medium.     

Effects of air pressure amplitude on cellulase productivity by Trichoderma viride SL-l in periodic pressure solid state fermenter

Air pressure amplitude serves as a critical control parameter of periodic pressure solid state fermentation process. Effects of different air pressure amplitudes on cellulase production by Trichoderma viride-SL were investigated. Experiments were carried out in the same fermenter as reported earlier. Under the optimum periodic pressure amplitude, 1400 IU/g CMCase activity can be obtained in the system against 450 IU/g compared with the tray fermenter.     

Contribution of rumen protozoa to fibre degradation and cellulase activity in vitro

Abstract The contribution of ciliates to rumen fermentation was estimated by determination of overall fibre degradation and cellulase activities (determined as carboxymethylcellulase activity) in faunated and defaunated 'artificial rumen' cultures. Experiments performed at loading rates of 22.5 and 35 g per liter per day of a grass-grain substrate revealed that fibre degradation was significantly lower in the absence of ciliates only at the high loading rate. This effect of defaunation was smaller at dilution rates below 1.7 fermenter volume turnovers per day. Bacterial numbers were higher in all experiments after removal of ciliates. Fractionation studies demonstrated that ciliates accounted for 19–28% of the total cellulase activity in faunated cultures fed on filter paper cellulose.     

A high cellulase-producing mutant strain of Trichoderma reesei

A mutant strain with increased production of cellulolytic enzymes was induced from the good cellulase producer Trichoderma reesei QM 9414. Cellulase activities of the mutant in fermenter cultivations were increased two- to three-fold and β-glucosidase activity up to six-fold when compared to the corresponding activities produced by QM 9414.     

Protein-extracted lucerne fibres as a carbon and energy source for cellulase production by Thermomonospora curvata

Protein-extracted lucerne fibre (PELF) was evaluated as a carbon/energy source for cellulase production by the thermophilic actinomycete, Thermomonospora curvata. Shake cultures with lucerne fibre produced only one-half the cellulase obtained from growth on cotton fibre (the most inductive substrate). Control of pH at 8·0 under fermenter conditions lowered the rate of PELF carbohydrate solubilization during early growth and raised saccharifying cellulase production by about 70% to a maximum of 0·48 filter paper units/ml.     

Induction,isolation and testing of stable Trichoderma reesei mutants with improved production of solubilizing cellulase

A mutant strain of the fungus Trichoderma reesei giving high cellulase production but having poor stability has been further mutagenized to produce strains in which good production properties were retained and stability was greatly improved. The increase in the production of some other extracellular enzymes by the mutants was even greater than the increase in cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4) and exo-cellobiohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.91) production. The new strains were all tested in laboratory fermenter cultivations and one has also been used for pilot-scale cellulase production.     

A novel design of solid state fermenter and its evaluation for cellulase production by Trichoderma viride SL-1

Summary A novel design of a large scale solid state fermenter, designated as PPSSF--Periodic Pressure Solid State Fermenter--was constructed. Due to the respiration created by periodical variations of air pressure, air was uptaken / expelled from the fermenting mass and heat moved from the fermenter easily. It is possible to operate the unit at different capacities simply by adding or removing the bins. The results of its evaluation for enzyme formation by Trichoderma viride SL-1 indicated that a 2–3 fold increased cellulase production can be obtained in this system.     

Enzyme solubility — A method for evaluating the digestibility of alkali-treated straw

A method of analysis based on hydrolysis with cellulase provides a simple and fast measurement of the improvement in nutritive value achieved by the chemical treatment of cellulosic waste products. The method was adapted for use with alkali-treated straw, and a comparison made with digestibility measured in vitro. The effects of the following were determined: cellulase source, enzyme concentration, pH, incubation time and incubation temperature. There were appreciable differences in the activity of the various cellulase preparations, and activity measurements are necessary if the cellulase source is altered. Variations from 0.5 to 1.5 g enzyme and 24 to 48 h incubation time had no appreciable effects, provided the cellulase was completely soluble. Citrate buffer was preferable to acetate buffer, and with a concentration of 1 molar it was not necessary to adjust the pH of the sample, even with an 8% sodium hydroxide concentration in the straw. The incubation temperature was not critical, though a temperature of 40°C ± 5°C is preferable. The standard deviation of the method was for a single determination ± 0.56 (double determination (s) = ± 0.40). (n = 46). The correlation between enzyme solubility and digestibility in vitro was good (r = 0.91).     

Production of microbial rennin from Mucor miehei in a continuously fed fermenter

In this study, microbial production of rennin, a milk-clotting enzyme, from a commercial strain of Mucor miehei NRRL 3420 has been investigated in a continuously fed fermenter for prolonged times. The spherical film-type growth of the culture has been accomplished in the fermenter and the effects of medium pH, mixing and dilution rates, and feed -glucose concentration on milk-clotting activity have been elaborated. In the fermenter, optimum operational parameters have been determined as 400 rpm, 0.125 day⁻¹, and 7.5 g l⁻¹ for mixing rate, dilution rate, and feed -glucose concentration, respectively. Under these conditions, the fermenter operated 575 h continuously producing 1.24 IU ml⁻¹ maximum milk-clotting activity without concentration. In the fermenter sample at maximum milk clotting activity, the R factor and specific milk-clotting activity were determined as 1.55 × 10⁻³ IU PU⁻¹ and 5.28 IU mg⁻¹ medium protein, respectively, denoting competitive characteristics of a commercial rennet after concentration.     

Cellulase production byPenicillium janthinellum

The maximal carboxymethyl cellulase, filter paper (FP) cellulase and -glucosidase activities achieved byPenicillium janthinellum grown in a fermenter were 60, 5 and 9 U/ml, respectively. Enzymic hydrolysis of 5m NaOH-pre-treated straw, cotton and FP was 57 to 58% in 48 h at 50°C, with glucose as the major product.     

Monitoring Growth of Microorganisms using the Methods of Mass-Energy Balance and Utilization of Computer on Line with Fermenter in Real Time Processing (in Russian)

The effective means of microbial culture monitoring is the measurement of low-inertial parameters (respiration rate, rates of supply of alkali for pH maintenance and the limiting substrate) and utilization of computer on line with fermenter for recalculation of these rates into the instant values of mass and energy cell yields, specific rates of cell growth and substrate and oxygen consumption, using the method of mass-energy balance. In this paper, the equations of mass-energy balance are presented both in general form and in the form of numerical algorythms for computer programming. The installation for automation of microbial cultivation experiment is described. Experimental data are presented which indicate the effectiveness of the method of indirect measurement of cell biomass yield and specific rates of physiological processes.     

Extremely low frequency magnetic field effects on metabolite of Aspergillus niger

The effect of the extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field on citric acid and cellulase production by Aspergillus niger using liquid Charles culture medium was studied during shake flask culture. The cellular suspension was exposed to a magnetic field (t = 4 h, B = 1 mT, and f = 50 Hz). The dependence of yield of citric acid and activity of cellulase on time of exposure and on the value of the magnetic field induction B was measured. Both yield of citric acid and activity of cellulase increased with increasing exposure time and/or induction B, but the quantity of the effect was dependent on the chemical structure of metabolites. The metabolism of citric acid was more sensitive to the magnetic field than that of cellulase. From the measurement of the metabolism dynamics we concluded that the increase in the citric acid and activity of cellulase started immediately after the magnetic field was switched on.     

Rhamnolipids as affinity foaming agent for selective collection of β-glucosidase from cellulase enzyme mixture

Selective and effective separation can potentially be achieved with affinity foam fractionation using simple foaming setup and operation. In this study the use of affinity foam fractionation for selective collection and enrichment of β-glucosidase from a cellulase enzyme mixture was evaluated. Rhamnolipids, a group of glycolipids produced most commonly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were used as the affinity foaming agent, because of their foaming property and the presence of dirhamnose moiety (a potential substrate analog for β-glucosidase) in some rhamnolipids. The effects of aeration rate, medium pH, cellulase concentration and rhamnolipid concentration on the foam fractionation performance were examined. Among the pH studied (3.1, 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0), pH 5 was clearly the optimal for selective enrichment of β-glucosidase, presumably corresponding to the high binding affinity between the enzyme and the substrate analog (dirhamnose). With adequate rhamnolipid concentrations (≥0.1 g/L), the aeration rate of 0.1L/min (i.e., 2VVM) for 50 ml test samples was found to give the highest enrichment; higher aeration rates produced wetter foam and, thus, lower (diluted) enzyme activity in the foamate. The enrichment increased with the increasing rhamnolipids-to-cellulase ratio, in the range of 0-2 (w/w) investigated in this study. The finding indicated that rhamnolipids were the limiting compounds in these systems so that the amount of surfactant-enzyme complexes formed and removed into the foam phase would increase when more rhamnolipids were added. At the rhamnolipids-to-cellulase ratio of 2, the β-glucosidase activity in the foamate was about 9 times as high as the activity in the original sample of cellulase mixture and about 17 times the activity in the remaining solution (after foaming). The overall FPU (filter paper unit, a measurement of total cellulase activity) and the activities of endo- and exo-glucanases were only enriched 70-150%. The feasibility of affinity foam fractionation was demonstrated.     

Location of respiration activity in filamentous bacteria by image analysis

Respiration activity was located in Streptomyces ambofaciens using formazan crystals and image analysis. The technique was validated by comparing it to a global respiration rate measurement method. A uniform distribution of formazan crystals along the hyphae was found in cultivations in flasks and fermenter, throughout the cultures, although respiration is globally decreased when cultures age.     

A continuous spectrophotometric assay for the determination of cellulase solubilizing activity

A cellulase assay was developed for the continuous measurement of colored cellulose oligosaccharides (total carbohydrates) released during enzymatic hydrolysis of dyed crystal-line cellulose. Several cellulosic substrates were uniformly dyed by Remalzol brilliant blue R salt without altering their physical properties. Dyed Avicel (6.5%, w/w) was selected as the most representative substrate for the assay procedure. The assay was performed continuously in a simple, thermally controlled apparatus designed for filtration of the reaction mixture via a 5-μm-pore-size nylon filter to retain the crystalline dyed cellulose while spectrophotometrically monitoring the absorbance at 595 nm of the reaction filtrate. Crude supernatant cellulase of Trichoderma viride QM9414 was used to test the assay procedure. The activity of cellulase on dyed Avicel as measured by ΔA_595nm correlated directly with the total carbohydrates formed. The initial reaction rate of cellulase solubilizing activity was readily determined with high sensitivity. The continuous assay has utility for the study of cellulase kinetics and for the comparison of activities from different microorganisms.     

一株能分解纤维素放线茵的固态发酵研究

对一株从食草动物的粪便中分离出来的放线菌菌株（XW5）,以秸杆粉和麸皮为底物,进行固态发酵,并提取纤丝至望粗酶。采用DNS法,进行酶活测定,研究发现该菌株的固态发酵酶活为4—7u／mg。并对酶活的影响因子、pU、温度以及金属离子等的影响进行了探讨,同时发现该酶为碱性纤维素酶。