Equilibrium studies of cellulase aggregates in presence of ascorbic and boric acid

The aggregate formation of cellulase was detected at 300 and 10 mM ascorbic and boric acid respectively. These aggregates showed reduced enzyme activity, loss in near-UV signal, decrease tryptophan and ANS fluorescence. They possess increase in non-native β-sheet structure as evident from far-UV CD and FTIR spectra, large hydrodynamic radii, increase thioflavin T fluorescence and shift in Congo red. Cellulase at 90 mM ascorbic acid exists as molten globule with retention of secondary structure, altered tryptophan environment, high ANS binding and loss in tertiary structure. Ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant up to 90 mM and beyond this as a pro-oxidant.