Biodegradation of cellulosic and lignocellulosic waste by Pseudoxanthomonas sp R-28

A microbial consortium, designated Con R, was established by successive sub-cultivation which can degrade 83% of filter paper after 15 days of incubation over control. Among the 14 bacterial isolates obtained from Con R, only bacterial isolate (R-28) was capable of degrading filter paper. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, R-28 was identified as Pseudoxanthomonas sp R-28. After 5 days of incubation, degradation efficiencies of Pseudoxanthomonas sp R-28 on filter paper and pure cellulosic waste were 96% and 95% respectively as compared to control. Pseudoxanthomonas sp R-28 also degraded 60% of non-pretreated rice straw after 7 days as compared to control. The degradation kinetics through a modified logistic model showed high correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.965 and 0.665 for cellulosic and rice straw waste degradation respectively. Micro scale structural analysis showed the development of fissures and gaps over time which further supported the degradation potential of Pseudoxanthomonas sp R-28.