Production of a Cellulase Complex in Culture Filtrates of Aspergillus tamarii Associated with Mouldy Cocoa Beans in Nigeria

Aspergillus tamarii Kita grown in media that contained single soluble or insoluble cellulosic sources of carbon, released a complex of cellulolytic enzymes into the medium. The complex was separated into thirteen components by gel filtration followed by ion exchange chromatography. Eight of the components had a high molecular weight and five had a low molecular weight. One of the high molecular weight components, designated Ab, had the character of C₁ cellulase enzyme. In a few cases there was synergism between the components, since in combination they liberated more glucose than when alone.