Cellulase Enzyme based Biodegradation of Cellulosic Materials: An Overview

Abstract

Cellulose, a macromolecule of β -D- anhydroglucopyranose units linked by β (1,4)-glycosidic bonds, is the world’s most abundant organic polymer and is the main component of plant biomass that provides stability. Due to its sta-ble fibrous property, it has become one of the most important commercial raw materials for many industries. However, accumulation of waste cellulose due to natural and/or anthropogenic sources is a matter of concern in terms of environmental pollution. Wastes cellulosic substrates can be utilized as sources of energy through controlled hydrolysis using cellulases- a complex group of enzymes capable of degrading all types of cellulosic waste materials. A number of bacteria, fungi and insects are having the capability to degrade cellulose by production of cellulase enzymes. Further, the symbiotic insect-microbe relationships present in the insect gut microbiome for the production of cellulolytic system is of immense importance as this would lead to applications in different fields like biodegradation of cellulosic wastes, pollution reduction, biofuel production, insect/pest control etc. Cel-lulase gene can also be improved by genetic or protein engineering methods using recent technological advances. This review deals with the advances of cellulase enzymes and its utilization for different application.