Bacterial Cellulases and its Applications: A Review

The most abundant biomass on earth is cellulose. Lignocellulosic biomass is the alternative of fossil fuels and can be used in the production of Biofuels. Degradation of this cellulolytic biomass requires cellulases produced by microorganisms including Bacteria, Fungi and actinomycetes. A wide variety of microorganisms are available in nature that can be isolated from different environment. Endoglucanases obtained from bacteria are able to degrade the s-1, 4-glucan linkages present in amorphous cellulose whereas exoglycanases help in cleaving the remaining chain of Oligosaccharide. Bacterial Cellulases are reported to have higher growth rate and versatility in genetic composition which makes them advantageous. These enzymes have several applications in industries worldwide which include Fermentation, Textile, Paper and pulp Agriculture and Food. This review summarizes the various applications of bacterial cellulases with future challenges.