MARINE ENVIRONMENT A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR CELLULOSE DEGRADING MICROORGANISM.

Abstract

In the present study microorganisms have been isolated from coastal areas of southern
parts of India using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates obtained were
subjected to screening assay utilizing carboxy-methyl cellulose (CMC) as a substrate.
CMC is a substrate for endoglucanase and so can be used as a test for endoglucanase
and β-glucosidase activity. This assay is a good indicator of cellulolytic ability since
endoglucanase is generally produced in larger titres by fungi than cellobiohydrolase. 92
bacterial isolates, 43 fungal and 11 actinomycetes were obtained out of which 42
bacteria, 16 fungi and 11 actinomycetes showed the ability to degrade cellulose. The
screening assay clearly indicated that the isolates from the marine world could be of
industrial importance for biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass to release sugars
which can be used as an alternative source of fuel such as ethanol. In addition the
organisms could be used for the industrial production of celluloytic enzymes.