Production of thermostable hydrolases (cellulases and xylanase) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thermoascus aurantiacus</Emphasis> RCKK: a potential fungus

Thermophilic fungi are potential sources of thermostable enzymes and other value added products. Present study has focused on optimization of different physicochemical parameters for production of thermostable cellulases and xylanase by Thermoascus aurantiacus RCKK under SSF. Enzyme production was supported maximally on wheat bran fed with 20 % inoculum, at initial pH 5, temperature 45 °C and moisture ratio 1:3. The supplementation of wheat bran with yeast extract, Tween-80 and glycine further improved enzyme titres (CMCase 88 IU/g, FPase 15.8 IU/g, β-glucosidase 25.3 IU/g and xylanase 6,543 IU/g). The crude enzymes hydrolyzed phosphoric acid-swollen wheat straw, avicel and untreated xylan up to 74, 71 and 90 %, respectively. In addition, T. aurantiacus RCKK produced antioxidants as fermentation by-products with significant %DPPH^? scavenging, FRAP and in vivo antioxidant capacity against H₂O₂-treated Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These capabilities show that it holds potential to exploit crop by-products for providing various commodities.