Isolation, Characterization and Molecular weight determination of Cellulase from Trichoderma viride

Cellulose hydrolyzing enzyme from fungus Trichoderma viride was purified and characterized. The cellulase production was variable depending upon the type of cellulose the fungus grew on; it was higher when grown on cellulose or whatmann filter paper than on other carbon source viz carboxy methyl cellulose. Enzyme purification to homogeneity was carried out by anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose. SDS-PAGE revealed molecular mass of 87 kDa. Maximal activity of the enzymes was observed at 50°C at pH 4 and was stimulated by Ca2+, Co2+, Mg2+ (test at 10 Mm each) and inhibited by Fe2+. Ethanol at an optimum concentration of 2% stimulated the initial enzyme activity. The end product of cellulase action was glucose and cellobiose. The enzyme therefore qualifies as an exo-β 1, 4-glucanase. Thermostability, pH and stability in the presence of surface active agents make this enzyme potentially useful in industry particularly for ethanol production.Keywords: Enzyme, cellulose, cellulaseAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(28), pp. 4512-451

Tissue culture as an alternative for commercial corm production in saffron: A heritage crop of Kashmir

The present study aimed at developing a commercially viable protocol for in vitro corm production in saffron. Three-step sterilization process involving fungicides and sterilants ensured 94% clean viable cultures. Plant growth regulator (PGRs) ensuring initial bud sprouting, direct shoot regeneration from the base of the sprouted bud and cormlet production from multiple shoots have been standardized. MS Media supplemented with 0.5 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 1.5 mg/l 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) ensured maximum bud sprouting in September with direct multiple shoot primordia initiation on 6.5 mg/l BAP in November. 6.5 mg/l BAP + 0.2 mg/l NAA resulted in maximum shoot proliferation (24); however, at higher concentration, the PGRs were detrimental in arresting the growth. Viable shoot clumps established maximum in vitro corms in April after sub culturing on growth retardant (CCC) at 0.25% supplemented with 9% sucrose. Subculturing of non flowering in vitro corms on growth retardant with sucrose eliminated season dependence of in vitro protocols in the 2nd cycle of protocol. Primary and secondary hardening before field transfer ensured 100% corm viability.Keywords: Kashmir, corm, in vitro, saffron.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(25), pp. 3940-394