Production of sugars from cellulosic wastes by enzymatic Hydrolysis

The present study on the screening of cellulose degrading bacteria, isolated locally from the natural environment; and analysis of their carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and filter paper activity has been carried out with the rationale to isolate novel strains having significant cellulolytic potential. From the present findings, it was observed that on 4th day the isolate-01 showed maximum CMC activity (9.4 mg/ml of released reducing sugar); followed by isolate-07 (5 mg/ml of released reducing sugar); whereas isolate-03 showed maximum filter paper activity on 6th day (8.0 mg/ml of released reducing sugar); followed by isolate-07 (7.4 mg/ml of released reducing sugar). Thus it can be concluded that isolate-07 has potential for both CMC as well as filter paper activities and can be explored for production of sugar from cellulosic wastes on commercial scale. On the basis of morphology, microscopic observations and biochemical tests, the isolate-07 showed resemblances with Streptomyces species; however, for confirmation 16 S rRNA sequencing is required.