Isolation and Identification of Cellulase Producing Bacteria from Gut Microbiota of Coptotermes ceylonicus (Termite)

Abstract

Cellulose and lignocellulose, are abundantly available  biomass, derived from plant sources. Apart from this,  lignocellulose, is also known to be the main  component of municipal solid waste, which needs  bioremediation. Because of their bioethanol  production capabilities, these polysaccharides, may  also be used as renewable energy sources, replacing  the fossil fuels. Biodegradation of cellulose and  lignocelluloses to simpler sugars and ethanol  production may be processed by an important  enzyme, cellulase. This enzyme, occurs naturally in  the gut of isopteran insects, termites. The gut  microbiota, of these white ants synthesize cellulase  and are capable of digesting cellulose and  lignocelluose. Cellulases derived from microbes of  termites, are considered to be natural and cost  effective, enzyme reserves. In this context, the present  study, was attempted to extract cellulase from gut  bacteria of termites. White ants, were collected from  wood, and their gut microbes, were isolated,  identified and the cellulase was extracted. The  bacterial species which was isolated in the present  study was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  Gram’s staining and different biochemical tests, were  performed, to ascertain its identity. The cellulase  enzyme, which was extracted was partially purified,  by the method of ammonium sulphate precipitation.  This study, reiterates, that termites, may be  considered as the best economical source for cellulase  extraction, which can be used for degradation of  cellulose and lignocelluloses, and also for bioethanol  production.