Production and Characterization of Cellulase from Penicillium Chrysogenum and Aspergillus Oxysporum

Abstract

Cellulase enzymes play an important role in the degradation of cellulose into simpler sugars and are widely used in several industrial applications such as biofuel production, food processing, textile processing, and waste management. This study investigated the production and characterization of cellulase from fungal isolates obtained from corn cob substrate. Agricultural wastes such as corn cobs are rich in cellulose and can serve as suitable substrates for cellulase-producing microorganisms. The fungal isolates were cultured and screened for cellulase production using cellulose agar medium. Identification of the isolates revealed the presence of Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus oxysporum. Enzyme production was evaluated by measuring the diameter of hydrolysis zones formed around fungal colonies. The results showed that both fungal species were capable of producing cellulase; however, Aspergillus oxysporum demonstrated higher cellulolytic activity compared to Penicillium chrysogenum. The relatively higher enzymatic activity observed suggests strong potential for application in biofuel production and agricultural waste bioconversion industries, where efficient cellulose degradation is required. The findings highlight the potential of these fungi for cellulase production and their possible industrial applications.