Isolation of a new Aspergillus iranicus strain from the soil of southwestern Algeria exhibiting potential palm date-cellulose degrading activity

Abstract

Microorganisms with biotechnological properties are needed for transformation or degradation of biological products. Here we isolated a new Aspergillus strain (MS-34) from the soil of southwestern Algeria and found that it is related to Aspergillus iranicus. The MS-34 was examined for possible biotechnological properties and we found it to be highly efficacious at degrading palm date cellulose following fermentation. Pretreatment fermentation of palm in 50 % generated the highest (197.84 mg/L) carbohydrate concentration. Pretreatment with 20% KOH produced a maximum 112.97 IU/ml and 47.62 IU/ml for endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities respectively. Besides, glucose and proteins concentration in batch fermentations with 1% CMC medium fluctuated between 86.41 mg/l to 108.85 mg/l and the protein level was 0.713- 0.991 mg/ml. There were significant temperature and pH effects on the enzymatic activity and the optimal temperature conditions were found to be 50-60°C and pH 4.0. Since palm dates are one of the massive agricultural products of the Southeastern and Southwestern Algeria, use of this strain for transformation of palm tree waste will be an advanced biotechnology tool that will contribute to significantly reduce pollution linked to waste incineration. In addition, resulting fermentation products may be used as sources of energy.