This study focuses on isolating efficient cellulase-producing bacteria from activated sludge of paper and pulp industry waste for potential large-scale biorefining. A novel strain, RAYS, was isolated and screened for cellulolytic activity using filter-paper strips and Congo red assays. Enzyme assays followed IUPAC methods, showing peak activity at 72 hours 37 degree Celsius , pH 7. 16S rRNA analysis revealed 94 percent similarity to Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis, suggesting a new Bacillus species.
This study focuses on the isolation of efficient cellulase producing bacteria found in activated sludge samples of paper and pulp industry wastes and which can be considered for further use in large scale biorefining. Clearing of the Cellulose and CMC medium around colonies was taken as primary evidence for cellulolytic activity. A new cellulolytic bacterium designated strain RAYS was isolated from a paper industry sludge sample. The pure isolate was further screened for cellulolytic activity by incubating with filter-paper strips. Strain RAYS was a motile, rod shaped, Gram-positive bacterium. The isolate was successfully tested for qualitative assays like Congo red discolourisation. The enzyme assay for filter paper cellulase FPC was examined by methods recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The extracellular cellulase activities ranged from 0.1978 to 0. 2827 fpu per ml. The maximal enzyme activity was observed at 72 hours of incubation at a temperature of 37 degree Celsius and pH 7. The 16S rRNA genes of the isolate showed up to 94 percent sequence similarity to 16S rDNA from Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis. On the basis of this, phylogenetic evidence and BLAST analysis we propose to tentatively designate strain RAYS as a new species of the genus Bacillus Sp.