Isolation and Screening of Highly Cellulolytic Filamentous Fungi

A large number of microorganisms are capable of degrading cellulose, only a few of these microorganisms produce significant quantities of enzymes capable of completely hydrolysing cellulose. Fungi are the main cellulase-producing microorganisms. In this purposed study, seventeen fungal species belonging to three genera i.e. Trichoderm, Aspergillus and Penicillium were isolated from different sources, screened and compared for their ability to degrade cellulose. The plate screening assay recommended by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) were used in the investigation. Cellulolytic fungi were evaluated after 7 days for the production of cellulolytic enzymes by staining with 1% Congo red. The diameter of clear zone on fungal plates, gave an approximate indication of cellulase activities. Fungal species were grouped as high and low celluloytic isolates on the basis of cellulase activity using Index of Relative Enzyme Activity (ICMC). Fungal species i.e. T. harzianum, T. viride, T. koningii, A. japonicus, A. nidulans ver. dentatus P. lanosum, P. expansum and P. oxalicum gave the highest cellulase activity. Whereas, A. flavus, A. raperi, A. acculeatus, A. tamarri, A. niger, A. terreus, A. nidulans, P. citrinum and P. simplicissimum showed least or no enzyme activity. Keywords: Cellulose; cellulolytic fungi; Trichoderma, fungal isolates, Congo red J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. Sept., 2012, Vol. 16 (3) 223 - 226