Statistical optimization of cellulases by Talaromyces thermophilus utilizing Saccharum spontaneum, a novel substrate

BACKGROUND: At present, cellulases are the most important enzymes worldwide, and their demand has been increasing in the industrial sector owing to their notable hydrolysis capability. RESULTS: In the present study, contrary to conventional techniques, three physical parameters were statistically optimized for the production of cellulase by thermophilic fungi by using response surface methodology (RSM). Among all the tested thermophilic strains, the best cellulase producing fungus was identified as Talaromyces thermophilus ­ both morphologically and molecularly through 5.8S/ITS rDNA sequencing. The central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate the interactive effect of the significant factors. The CCD was applied by considering incubation period, pH, and temperature as the model factors for the present investigation. A second-order quadratic model and response surface method revealed that the independent variables including pH 6, temperature 50 C, and incubation period 72 h significantly influenced the production of cellulases. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the established model was significant (P 0.05) and showed the high adequacy of the model. The actual and predicted values of CMCase and FPase activity showed good agreement with each other and also confirmed the validity of the designed model. CONCLUSIONS: We believe the present findings to be the first report on cellulase production by exploiting Kans grass (Saccharum spontaneum) as a substrate through response surface methodology by using thermophilic fungus, Talaromyces thermophilus.

Effect of Saccharum spontaneum Linn. on Lysosomal enzymes of Uro-lithiatic rats.

The ethanolic root extract of Saccharum spontaneum of family Poaceae was used to treatthe urolithiasis induced by glycolic acid On this course, the extract also repairs the changesthat happened in the lysosomal enzymes like β-D-glucuronidase, xanthine oxidase in liver and kidney and n-acetyl _-d-glucosaminidase in serum, liver, kidney and urine of the urolithiatic rats. The ethanolic root extract (200 and 300 / kg b.w.) elevated the levels of reduced β-D-glucuronidasein liver and n-acetyl _-d-glucosaminidase in liver and kidney and reduced the level of xanthineoxidase in liver and kidney and n-acetyl _-d-glucosaminidase in serum and urine significantly (p<0.05) when compared with the toxic groups. The results shown by the ethanolic root extract (200 and 300 mg / kg b.w.) was compared to standard thiazide drug treated group, showing no significantdifference (p<0.05) and thus it proves that the ethanolic root extract of S.spontaneum exhibits potent antiurolithiatic activity.

Yield, Fruit Body Diameter and Cropping Duration of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sajor caju) Grown on Different Grasses and Paddy Straw as Substrates.

The present experiment aimed at finding the suitability of some grasses as cost effective alternative substrates, for cultivation of one species of oyster mushroom viz., Pleurotus sajor caju (Fr.) Singer in eastern India. Relative efficacy three grasses viz., kash grass (Saccharum spontaneum L.), sabai grass (Eulaliopsis binata C.E. Hubb (Retz.)) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates Stapf.) was tested by using each of them either as whole substrate or in combination with the conventional substrate i.e., paddy straw in 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 ratios. Results revealed that the maximum yield of mushroom was recorded under paddy straw with biological efficiency of 85.9%. However, no significant difference in yield was found when 25% or 50% of the conventional substrate (paddy straw) was replaced by lemon grass and sabai grass. The results indicated that grasses which are available in plenty in the forests and wastelands of lateritic uplands of eastern India can be utilized successfully as promising substrate for the commercial cultivation of Pleurotus sajor caju.