FACTORS AFFECTING STABILITY OF SCLEROTIUM-ROLFSII UV-8 MUTANT CELLULASE COMPLEX UNDER SACCHARIFICATION CONDITIONS

Enzyme stability studies in case of Sclerotium rolfsii UV-8 mutant have been investigated under the conditions used for saccharification of cellulose (50-degrees-C, pH 4.5, 48 h). Avicelase (measure of exoenzymes) and xylanase were found to be less stable than CMCase (endoglucanase) and beta-glucosidase. Merthiolate (and other Hg compounds) added as a biocide, inactivated avicelase and xylanase about 60-70%. Of the antibiotics tested, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin sulfate were found suitable as an additive in cellulose hydrolysis system. The optimum hydrolysis of alkali-treated (AT)-rice straw, AT-bagasse, Solka Floc SW40, and Avicel P.H.101 was observed under shaking conditions at pH 4.5, 50-degrees-C in CO2 atmosphere. It is suggested, all the studied parameters could be used for the evaluation of mutant strains.