ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE-DEGRADING FUNGI FROM Arachis hypogaea Shells FOR POTENTIAL BIOMASS VALORIZATION
Loading...
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculties of Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Dutsin-Ma,Katsina State,Nigeria.
Abstract
The exploitation of agro-industrial waste provides a sustainable method for enzyme production and biomass
use. This work examined the isolation and characterization of cellulolytic fungi from decomposed Arachis
hypogaea (groundnut) shells, a lignocellulosic substrate abundant in cellulose. Four fungal isolates were
procured, of which two (OPGS and OPBS) had notable cellulolytic activity, as indicated by distinct hydrolysis
zones on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) agar stained with Congo red. The isolates were identified as
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger through morphological and microscopic investigation. Quantitative
screening in submerged fermentation demonstrated maximal cellulase activities of 86.7 ± 1.7 U/mL for A.
flavus and 92.3 ± 1.1 U/mL for A. niger. Enzyme activity associated with a gradual decrease in pH, signifying
active substrate metabolism. These findings emphasize the viability of groundnut shell as an economical
substrate for cellulase production and demonstrate the appropriateness of Aspergillus strains in biomass
bioconversion processes.