Cellulase Production by Xylaria Regalis, a Wood Grown Ascomycete

Production of cellulolytic enzymes by the wood-grown ascomycete Xylaria regalis isolated in Taiwan was studied. The highest levels of endo-β-glucanase, cellobiohydrolase, and β-glucosidase produced by X. regalis were 65.3 mU/ml, 21.7 mU/ml, and 55.6 mU/ml, respectively, when cultivated at 28℃ for two weeks. X. regalis produced more β-glucosidase but less endo-β-glucanase and cellobiohydrolase in activity than Trichoderma reesei ATCC 26921 (=QM 9414). When culture filtrate was used as a crude enzyme solution, the optimum pHs for endo-β-glucanase, cellobiohydrolase, and β-glucosidase activities were 4.0, 5.0, and 5.0, the optimum temperatures being 40, 40, and 50℃, respectively.