Production of Lignocellulases by Bacillus albus Strain BCA3 Using Various Substrates

Abstract

Lignocellulolytic enzymes, such as Carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), filter paper activity (FPase), and β-Glucosidase (BGL), amylase, and xylanase, are essential for the efficient degradation of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. In this study, the production of these enzymes by the Bacillus albus strain BCA3 was investigated under different substrate conditions. The bacterium was cultivated in minimal salt medium containing either NaOH-pretreated agricultural residues (rice straw, wheat straw, and corn cob) or analytical-grade substrates as the sole carbon source. Enzyme production varied significantly with substrate type. Among the lignocellulosic substrates, corn cob supported the highest production of CMCase, FPase, and β-glucosidase, whereas wheat straw favoured amylase activity. Rice straw exhibited delayed enzyme induction, likely due to its higher lignin content. Xylanase activity was highest in Xylan-supplemented medium and comparatively lower in biomass-based cultures, with corn cob showing the greatest induction among the residues. Overall, the results highlight substrate-specific enzyme induction and identify corn cob as an efficient low-cost substrate for cellulase production. The findings demonstrate the potential of B. albus strain BCA3 for lignocellulosic biomass degradation and its applicability in biofuel production and sustainable waste valorisation.