Biosynthesis, optimization and potential textile application of fungal cellulases/xylanase multifunctional enzyme preparation from Penicillium sp. SAF6

The main task of the present work is to search for fungal strains isolated from agricultural soil with the potential to produce cellulases/xylanase enzyme preparation for bio-finishing of textiles. The most potent fungal strain (SAF6) was subjected to molecular identification using 18 SrRNA and was identified as Penicillium sp. SAF6 with the novel accession number of KM222497. Factors affecting the produced mixed enzyme activity were investigated. The optimum conditions for achieving maximum activity of the cellulases (FPase, CMCase and β-glucosidase) in addition to xylanase were the initial culture pH media 5, yeast extract (1.5gN/L), medium-to-air ratio (1:5) for FPase and CMCase and (1:10) for β-glucosidase, at 30 °C for 8 days incubation period. Potential application of the prepared crude enzyme in bio-finishing of cellulosic substrates, namely, bleached cotton, linen and indigo dyed fabrics were explored. Using the multi-component enzyme at appropriate dosage and conditions brought about a significant improvement and surface modification of the treated cotton substrates.