Nutrient optimization for cellulase biosynthesis by a newly isolatedCellulomonas sp

A cellulolytic bacterium has been isolated from soil and identified as a Cellulomonas sp. Optimization of media components and environmental factors led to a 17-fold increase in cellulase activity within 40 h. The trace elements Zn2+, Co2+ and Cu2+ caused severe inhibition, which could be reduced by the addition of EDTA. The enzymes endoglucanase, exoglucanase and xylanase were always present irrespective of the carbon source used.