Production and location of xylanolytic enzymes in alkaliphilic Bacillus sp k-1

Abstract

The production and location of xylanolytic enzymes in alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. K-1, isolated from the wastewater treatment plant of the pulp and paper industry, was studied. When grown in alkaline xylan medium, the bacteria produced xylanolytic enzymes such as xylanase, beta-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and acetyl esterase. Two types of xylanases (23 and 45 kDa) were found to be extracellular, but another type of xylanase (35 and/or 40 kDa) was detected as pellet-bound that was eluted with 2% triethylamine from the residual xylan of the culture. The xylanases were different in their molecular weight and xylan-binding ability. Arabinofuranosidase and beta-xylosidase were found to be intracellular and extracellular, respectively, and acetyl esterase was found to be extracellular. The extracellular xylanolytic enzymes effectively hydrolyzed insoluble xylan, lignocellulosic materials, and xylans in kraft Pulps.