Characterization of a novel endoglucanase from Ganoderma lucidum

We evaluated the production and characterization of endoglucanase from Ganoderma lucidum using different lignocellulose biomasses. We purified a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrolyzing endoglucanase from the white-rot fungus G. lucidum when the medium was supplemented with 1% (w/v) wheat bran. Endoglucanase was purified 12.5-fold via ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex G-100, and Q-Sepharose column chromatography with a final yield of 15%. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the endoglucanase had a molecular mass of 64.0 kDa. The optimal activity of purified endoglucanase was at pH 5.0 and 35 °C, though it was stable between pH 4.0-7.0 and temperatures of 30-60 °C. The purified enzyme was specific to CMC as a suitable substrate. The metal ions Hg(2+), Fe(2+), and Cr(2+) inhibited enzyme activity, while Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Mn(2+) enhanced enzyme activity. The endoglucanase showed high activity and stability in the presence of different surfactants and non-polar hydrophobic organic solvents. This endoglucanase is tolerant to high temperature, metal ions, surfactants, and solvents, suggesting that it is appropriate for use in biomass conversion for biofuel production under harsh environmental conditions.