Alkaline-active xylanase produced by an alkaliphilicBacillus sp isolated from kraft pulp

ABacillus sp (V1-4) was isolated from hardwood kraft pulp. It was capable of growing in diluted kraft black liquor at pH 11.5 and produced 49 IU (mol xylose min^–1 ml^–1) of xylanase when cultivated in alkaline medium at pH 9. Maximal enzyme activity was obtained by cultivation in a defined alkaline medium with 2% birchwood xylan and 1% corn steep liquor at pH 9, but high enzyme production was also obtained on wheat bran. The apparent pH optimum of the enzyme varied with the pH used for cultivation and the buffer system employed for enzyme assay. With cultivation at pH 10 and assays performed in glycine buffer, maximal activity was observed at pH 8.5; with phosphate buffer, maximal activity was between pH 6 and 7. The xylanase temperature optimum (at pH 7.0) was 55°C. In the absence of substrate, at pH 9.0, the enzyme was stable at 50°C for at least 30 min. Elecrophoretic analysis of the crude preparation showed one predominant xylanase with an alkaline pl. Biobleaching studies showed that the enzyme would brighten both hardwood and softwood kraft pulp and release chromophores at pH 7 and 9. Because kraft pulps are alkaline, this enzyme could be used for prebleaching with minimal pH adjustment.     

Purification and characterization of a cellulase-free xylanase of a moderate thermophile Bacillus licheniformis A99

Two cellulase-free xylanases were secreted by a thermophile, Bacillus licheniformis A99. Of the two, the predominant one was purified to homogeneity. The enzyme was optimally active at 60 °C, pH 6–7.5, and had a molecular weight of about 45 KDa and isoelectric point of 7.0 ± 0.2. The K _m (for birchwood xylan) and V _max were 3.33 mg/ml and 1.111 mmols mg^–1 protein min^–1 respectively. The half-life of the enzyme was 5 h at 60 °C. All cations except Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ as well as EDTA were well tolerated and did not adversely affect xylanase activity. However, SDS inhibited the enzyme activity. The release of reducing sugars from unbleached commercial pulp sample on treatment with the enzyme indicated its potential in prebleaching of paper pulp. The enzyme caused saccharification of lignocellulosics such as wheat bran, wheat straw and sawdust. This is the first report on purification and characterization of cellulase-free xylanase from a moderate thermophile Bacillus licheniformis.