Avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase production by the thermophilic fungus Scytalidium thermophilum type culture Torula thermophila

Scytalidium thermophilum type culture Torula thermophila was isolated from mushroom compost and the total cellulase, endoglucanase, Avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase activities, as well as the fungal biomass generation and cell ulose utilisation were analyzed in shake flask cultures with Avicel (microc rystalline cellulose) as the carbon source. Results were compared with an i ndustrial strain of Scyalidium thermophilum type culture Humicola insolens. The pH and temperature optima for endoglucanase activities during enzyme a ssays were also analyzed for both organisms and determined to be pH 6.0 and 65 degrees C for type culture Torula thermophila, and pH 6.5 and 60 degree s C for type culture Humicola insolens. Analysis of the effect of growth te mperature showed that type culture T. thermophila can grow and produce cell ulases in the range of 35 to 55 degrees C although 40 to 50 degrees C seeme d to favor growth and cellulase production. Although 45 degrees C was found optimal for fungal growth, both the specific endoglucanase and Avicel-adso rbable endoglucanase activities (U/mg protein) as well as the percentage of Avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase activity reached maxima at 50 degrees C an d were higher as compared to type culture H. insolens. Results indicate tha t type culture T. thermophila, with further optimisations, is of potential use in the industrial production of cellulases. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science I nc. All rights reserved.