Optimization of growth medium and enzyme assay conditions for crude cellulases produced by a novel thermophilic and cellulolytic bacterium, Anoxybacillus sp. 527.

A newly isolated Anoxybacillus sp. 527 was found to grow on crystalline cellulose as sole carbon and energy sources. Cellulases secreted by strain 527 were better induced by cellobiose, followed by glucose, lactose, sucrose, and cellulose. Cellulase secretion was enhanced by an optimized medium. Cellulase activity was increased by the addition of Ca(2+) and NH (4) (+) and achieved maximum as 7.0 FPU ml(-1) at 70 degrees C and pH 6.0. Even at 100 degrees C, the enzymes were still active, which implies their potential application in large-scale cellulose conversion process.