Extraction of Cellulase from Soil Microorganisms by Using Banana Peels as Substrate

Higher production of essential food commodities and the lack of adequate methods and facilities for managing these, as well as their components, by-products and residues, have led to tremendous losses and waste. Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruit and are available throughout the year. In this study, attempts were made to use Banana peels as a substrate for production and extraction of cellulase by Bacillus subitilis. Optimization and characterization studies were also carried out. On quantitative analysis, it was found that B.subtilis showed an activity of FPase 0.09 IU/ml and CMCase 0.182 IU/ml respectively. Further, partial purification of the extracted cellulase was also carried out. Enzyme activity of purified enzyme was 0.2144 IU/ml when assessed by DNS method. This method revealed a much easier and low expensive protocol for the production of extracellular enzyme cellulase by solid-state fermentation.