Five thermophilic strains that can degrade cellulose were isolated from the compost of a waste management in Guangzhou, China. Since one of them degraded cellulose effectively, it was chosen as the study strain. Based on its morphology, spores′ susceptibility to heat, cell wall composition and other characteristics, the organism was classified as Thermomonospora fusca. Conditions for production of carboxy methyl cellulase (CMCase) were examined. The optimal temperature and pH value for enzyme production were 50 ℃ and 10.5, respectively. Cellulosic materials and easily metabolisable carbohydrates served as carbon sources for the growth of the strain. Only cotton, avicel,carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) acted as potent inducers for the production of cellulases by this strain. Despite excellent growth on easily metabolisable carbohydrates, only constitutive levels of cellulases were produced. The optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for CMCase production were cotton and soybean respectively. The high thermostability, wide pH stability, and cheap nitrogen source show well potential use for composting treatment and commercial detergents.
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