Isolation and Identification of Cellulase Producing Bacteria from Gut Microbiota of Coptotermes ceylonicus (Termite)

Abstract

Cellulose and lignocellulose, are abundantly available biomass, derived from plant sources. Apart from this, lignocellulose, is also known to be the main component of municipal solid waste, which needs bioremediation. Because of their bioethanol production capabilities, these polysaccharides, may also be used as renewable energy sources, replacing the fossil fuels. Biodegradation of cellulose and lignocelluloses to simpler sugars and ethanol production may be processed by an important enzyme, cellulase. This enzyme, occurs naturally in the gut of isopteran insects, termites. The gut microbiota, of these white ants synthesize cellulase and are capable of digesting cellulose and lignocelluose. Cellulases derived from microbes of termites, are considered to be natural and cost effective, enzyme reserves. In this context, the present study, was attempted to extract cellulase from gut bacteria of termites. White ants, were collected from wood, and their gut microbes, were isolated, identified and the cellulase was extracted. The bacterial species which was isolated in the present study was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gram’s staining and different biochemical tests, were performed, to ascertain its identity. The cellulase enzyme, which was extracted was partially purified, by the method of ammonium sulphate precipitation. This study, reiterates, that termites, may be considered as the best economical source for cellulase extraction, which can be used for degradation of cellulose and lignocelluloses, and also for bioethanol production.