CELLULASE PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION BY BACILLUS AERIUS THROUGH RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY IN SUBMERGED FERMENTATION

The objective of the present study was to get better production of FPase from Bacillus aerius (MG597041) by optimizing different process parameters under submerged fermentation through the statistical approach. Optimization of physical factors of culturing medium by one factor at a time (OFAT) revealed optimum incubation time of 24 h, inoculum size of 1%, pH 5.5, and substrate concentration of 4%. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was performed to identify the significant nutritional influence of cellulase production. Among the nine parameters screened, peptone, yeast extract, FeSO4 and K2HPO4 were found significant. CCD of significant parameters revealed maximum FPase activity (127.4 IU/mL/min) at the optimum concentration of yeast extract of 0.5 g/L, peptone of 0.5 g/L, FeSO4 of 0.2 g/L, and K2HPO4 of 0.02 g/L. ANOVA was used to analyze these results. The analysis of the results showed an F-value of 8.74 and a p-value 0.00. Maximum hydrolysis of 10% of raw Bombax ceiba seed pods using this indigenous cellulase was obtained after 24 h. Also, the study explored the potential of the obtained cellulase to be applied in denim biostoning finishing. The findings demonstrated the efficient use of the obtained enzyme in saccharification of raw Bombax ceiba seed pods, which can be of interest for production of biofuel, and in biostoning treatment of denim fabrics.