Factors affecting stability ofSclerotium rolfsii UV-8 mutant cellulase complex under saccharification conditions

Enzyme stability studies in case of Sclerotium rolfsii UV-8 mutant have been investigated under the conditions used for saccharification of cellulose (50 degrees C, pH 4.5, 48 h). Avicelase (measure of exoenzymes) and xylanase were found to be less stable than CMCase (endoglucanase) and beta-glucosidase. Merthiolate (and other Hg compounds) added as a biocide, inactivated avicelase and xylanase about 60-70%. Of the antibiotics tested, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin sulfate were found suitable as an additive in cellulose hydrolysis system. The optimum hydrolysis of alkali-treated (AT)-rice straw, AT-bagasse, Solka Floc SW40, and Avicel P.H.101 was observed under shaking conditions at pH 4.5, 50 degrees C in CO2 atmosphere. It is suggested, all the studied parameters could be used for the evaluation of mutant strains.