Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Response surface methodology for optimizing cellulase production in Enterobacter cloacae
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Research Articles | Published: 25 May, 2026
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Keywords: Cellulase production, Response surface methodology (RSM), Agro-waste utilization, n Enterobacter cloacaen , Fermentation optimization
Abstract
Cellulase enzymes are essential for the efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels and other value-added products. The optimization of cellulase production from microbial sources can enhance enzyme yield and reduce costs, making biofuel production more feasible. This study focuses on the isolation and optimization of cellulase production from bacterial strains obtained from North Gujarat, India. Out of 35 bacterial isolates screened, isolate 3(Enterobacter cloacae) exhibited the highest cellulolytic activity. Optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) significantly improved cellulase production, achieving a maximum enzyme activity of 38.54 IU/mL under optimal conditions with rice husk as a cost-effective carbon source. Critical fermentation parameters, including pH, temperature, and metal ion supplementation, influenced cellulase production. The enzyme was purified via ammonium sulphate precipitation, yielding a specific activity of 4.9 U/mg. SDS-PAGE analysis determined the molecular weight of the purified enzyme to be 55 ± 1 kDa. The study demonstrates the potential of bacterial cellulases for industrial applications, particularly in biofuel production and agricultural waste management. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing fermentation parameters for enhanced cellulase production. This work paves way for scaling up production and improving enzyme stability for commercial applications.
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Author Information
Department of Biotechnology, Mehsana Urban Institute of Sciences, Ganpat University, Mehsana, India