Characterization of Thermostable Cellulase from Bacillus licheniformis PANG L Isolated from the Himalayan Soil

This study aimed to isolate, purify, and characterize a potential thermophilic cellulase-producing bacterium from the Himalayan soil. Eleven thermophilic bacteria were isolated, and the strain PANG L was found to be the most potent cellulolytic producer. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characterization identified PANG L as Bacillus licheniformis.)is is the 4rst study on the isolation of thermostable cellulase-producing Bacillus licheniformis from the Himalayan soil.)is bacterium was processed for the production of cellulase enzyme.) The optimum conditions for cellulase production were achieved at 45 degrees C after 48 h of incubation at pH 6.5 in media-containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, in a thermo-shaker at 100 rpm.) The enzyme was partially purified by 80% ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by dialysis, resulting in a 1.52-fold purification.)e optimal activity of partially puri4ed cellulase was observed at a temperature of 60 degrees C and pH 5.)e cellulase enzyme was stable within the pH ranges of 3-5 and retained 67% of activity even at 55 degrees C. Cellulase activity was found to be enhanced in the presence of metal ions such as Cd2+, Pb2+, and Ba2+.)e enzyme showed the highest activity when CMC was used as a substrate, followed by cellobiose.) The K-m and V-max values of the enzyme were 1.8 mg/ ml and 10.92 %g/ml/min, respectively.)e cellulase enzyme obtained from Bacillus licheniformis PANG L had suitable catalytic properties for use in industrial applications.