Published Paper Details:

Under favourable environmental conditions, like moisture, temperature, oxygen, sunlight etc, the spores of various microorganisms including bacteria and fungi present in the atmosphere attack the cellulosic materials and start growing on them. The microorganisms, especially fungi, grow rapidly and produce profuse mycelium, presenting the appearance of mat on the substrate. They may enter the substrate through some weak points or imperfections like cracks, abrasions and other mechanically damaged spots, formed during manufacture or dirting use. The hyphae enter the cellulosic fibre by direct penetration of fibre wall and remain inside the lumen. These hyphae start ramifying inside the lumen that can be observed under the microscope. In order to utilise the cellulosic substrates as food materials, the microorganisms produce cellulolytic enzymes which hydrolyse the cellulose to water soluble products that can be assimilated easily by the cell and take part in metabolism. The cellulolytic enzymes are mainly of two types-- Extracellular Enzymes and Intracellular enzymes. The present work deals with the favourable conditions for maximum isolation of Cellulase Enzymes from Aspergillus niger and studying their characteristics.