Biotechnological Applications of Cellulase and Pectinase Enzymes Produced by Some Fungi Isolated from Soil in Upper Egypt

This investigation was concerning with isolation and identification of fungal species from soil in upper Egypt (Assiut). Thirty fungal species belonging to eighteen genera were collected and screened for their ability to produce cellulase and pectinase enzymes. The most potent was Mucor fuscus (MS22) and was allowed to grow on industrial cellulose and pectin under different cultural and nutritional conditions and resulted in: the best biosynthetic abilities were induced at substrate concentrations (%) of 2 and 0.2, pH optima (7 and 8) for cellulase and pectinase respectively. Carbon source (Maltose), temperature (20C), inoculum concentration was one disk (0.5mm) and the incubation at static condition was the best circumstances for tested enzymes. Moreover, both nitrogen source (glycine and urea) and flask’s volume (ml) (250 and 2000 ) were the most favorable conditions for getting the best yields of cellulase and pectinase respectively. Biotechnological application of these enzymes separately and in comparison carried out with respect to clarification of ready made mango syrup resulted in: an optima enzymes’ concentrations were ranged from 25-50 μl, and clarification time(minutes)150 and 5 at refrigeration condition for cellulase and pectinase respectively, corresponding to 60 minutes at open air in case of mixed enzymes. The present enzymes may be of a remarkable application in many fields, such as biodetergents, food processing technology in large scale from one hand and of silage’s manufacture on the other hand.