Description

Xylanases (endo-1, 4-β-D-xylan xylanohydrolse; EC 3.2.1.8) is a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of xylan, the major constituent of hemicellulose, which is second to cellulose in abundance in plant cell wall. Xylanases are produced by a variety of microorganism such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and yeast which are cultivated in solid and submerged fermentations. Fungi are the most common sources of xylanases which can produce thermophilic enzyme in fermentation process. Xylanases have potential applications in various fields like bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry (brightening of the pulp to avoid the chlorine free bleaching operations), hydrolyzed the xylan component from wood which facilitate in removal of lignin, in baking industries and in animal feed industry. This enzyme produced can be utilized in saccharification for ethanol production. This study is focused on optimization of cultural and nutritional parameters on xylanase production by Trichoderma viride in solid state fermentation using agricultural wastes as a substrate.