Advancements in Bioprocess Technology for Cellulase Production

Cellulose is the most bountiful organic compound in the world and a major renewable agriculture waste with exceptionally high potential for biological alteration into valuable bioproducts. Cellulose also serves as a good source of low-cost energy production in the form of biofuels. Cellulase is the broad name for the group of three enzymes, namely endo-1-4-β-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), cellobiohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.91), and β-glucosidase, which catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose and related oligosaccharides. Microorganisms and plants commonly synthesize such molecules. Cellulases fall into the main group of industrial enzymes that have extensive applications in many areas, such as the production of ethanol and organic acids, cotton processing, paper recycling, as animal feed additives, for brightness of fiber surfaces in paper industries, to enhance pulp drainage in paper mills, etc. However, the largest obstacle for the commercialization of these enzymes is their high manufacturing price, which can be minimized by using other carbon sources, for example, agricultural solid waste residues during optimization of the production medium. This chapter summarizes the applications of cellulase enzymes along with their sources but mainly focuses on the various bioprocess parameters used for production optimization, including the latest technologies/techniques applied at an industrial scale.