Evaluation of the production of cellulases by Penicillium sp. FSDE15 using corncob and wheat bran as substrates

This study aimed to evaluate the production of cellulases by Penicillium sp. FSDE15, from agroindustrial waste. These enzymes are able to convert part of the lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. Through fermentative assays, it was possible to study the enzymatic kinetics over 240 h. In the tests, moisture content remained between 50 and 70%, while pH varied widely, from 3 to 8. In addition, maximum CMCase (endoglucanase) and FPase (total cellulase) activities of 21.11 + 0.74 U/g and 1.29 + 0.27 U/g, respectively, were achieved in 216 h of fermentation, for cultivation carried out with wheat bran and corncob in the proportion of 50% as substrates. The highest β-glucosidase activity was 8.72 + 0.42 U/g in 216 h for cultivation using wheat bran only. These results demonstrate that Penicillium sp. FSDE15 is a good cellulase producer and also that corncob can be used effectively as a substrate for the production of enzymatic cocktails. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd