REEMA NINGTHOUJAM, PANKAJ JANGID AND HARISH KUMAR DHINGRA
Mody University of Science & Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar-332 311 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail : harishdhingra2000@gmail.com; Mobile : 79884 76239)
(Received : October 10, 2021; Accepted : December 11, 2021)
ABSTRACT
The potential of Trichoderma reseei and isolate Aspergillus flavus OR for production of cellulase enzyme
was checked by using rice straw as the lignocellulosic substrate. A maximum cellulase yield of 0.054
IU/ml at 120 h incubation was achieved using the T. reesei. Further incubation decreased the cellulase
activities which proved that incubation period played a major role in the enzyme production process and
should be monitored very carefully. A. flavus OR gave the highest cellulase activity of 0.042 IU/ml at 192
h. Based on the results of the hydrolytic enzymatic activity, both the microorganisms were seen as an
efficient cellulose degrader and could replace the commercial enzymes which are not cost-effective. Rice
straw also acted as a promising feed stock in the production of energy. The bioconversion of lignocellulosic
biomass received global attention in the past few decades and is now a subject of intensive research in
the field of developing liquid fuels such as bioethanol.
Key words : : Trichoderma reseei, Aspergillus flavus, cellulase, rice straw