Isolation and Optimization of Cellulase Enzyme by Ocrobacterium sp from COW Dung

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the isolation and optimization bacteria with high cellulase activity from cow dung. The cellulolytic enzyme producing bacteria have been isolated from cow dung using Carboxymethyl cellulose clear zone (CMCZ) and Filter paper assay (FPA) techniques. Three isolates namely S1, S2, S3 have been isolated. According to the morphological and biochemical studies the isolates were primarily identified as Arthrobacter (S1), Ocrobacterium (S2), Flavobacterium (S3). Among the three isolates S2 showed maximal zone of enzyme utilization (1.2mm). Effect of incubation period, pH, temperature, carbon source was tested for cellulase productivity using Ocrobacterium (S2). Maximum growth was achieved at a time (Growth period) of 48 hours, highest cellulase activity was obtained after 72 hours of incubation by Filter paper assay. The maximum activity was achieved at 25°C and pH 5. When the bacterium was incubated at ammonium nitrate and Maltose it shows the increased enzyme activity.