Work

Enzymatic Potential of a Newly Isolated Aspergillus sp. FSDE16 for Cellulase and Xylanase Production

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study characterizes the newly isolated Aspergillus sp. FSDE16 from sugarcane soil, demonstrating its balanced cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymatic profile, high β-glucosidase production, thermostability, and multiple hydrolytic isoforms under solid-state fermentation conditions. Enzyme production was carried out by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran as a low-cost agro-industrial substrate, with 50% initial moisture content, 10 6 spores/g, and incubation at 37 °C. Under these conditions, the maximum activities of CMCase (carboxymethylcellulase) (10.91 U/g) and xylanase (103.2 U/g) were reached after 120 h, while β-glucosidase peaked at 94.11 U/g after 144 h. To evaluate the effects of different variables on enzyme production, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied. The experimental conditions resulted in increased enzyme yields (14.36 U/g CMCase, 68.74 U/g β-glucosidase, 212.40 U/g xylanase), establishing optimal parameters at 32 °C with tailored moisture and inoculum levels. The crude enzymatic extract exhibited optimal activity at 60 °C for CMCase and xylanase and at 70 °C for β-glucosidase. CMCase and β-glucosidase showed maximum activity under acidic conditions (pH 4.0 and 5.0), whereas xylanase performed best at pH 6.0–7.0. Thermostability assays demonstrated good enzyme stability, particularly between 50 and 60 °C. Zymogram analysis revealed multiple cellulase and xylanase isoforms. These results identify Aspergillus sp. FSDE16 as a promising local isolate with a balanced lignocellulolytic enzyme profile, supporting its potential for future applications in lignocellulosic biomass valorization and the circular bioeconomy.

Source: Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.1007/s13369-026-11645-9