FORMATION OF CELLULASES BY COCULTURING OF TRICHODERMA-REESEI AND ASPERGILLUS-NIGER ON CELLULOSIC WASTE

A cellulase system possessing high hydrolytic and beta-glucosidase activity was obtained by co-culturing Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger by a new approach using semi-solid fermentation of lignocellulosic materials. Various types of pretreatments were used for making the cellulose easily accessible to enzymatic attack. The optimal water content for maximum activity of the mixed fermentation was investigated. A more concentrated enzyme preparation could be obtained by semi-solid state fermentation than by conventional submerged fermentation.