Bioconversion of date palm leaf waste by a cellulolytic enzyme complex produced by Aspergillus niger under...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Biorefining

Background:

• Lignocellulosic biomass is a sustainable resource for enzyme production.
• Algeria possesses abundant agricultural residues but underexplored microbial diversity for biovalorization.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate local filamentous fungi from Bejaia, Algeria, for lignocellulosic biomass valorization.
• Identify efficient strains for cellulolytic enzyme production and optimize the process.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 201 native fungal strains for cellulolytic activity.
• Solid-state fermentation using lignocellulosic wastes, primarily date palm leaves.
• Optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

Main Results:

• Aspergillus niger AZ193 identified as the most efficient cellulase producer.
• Date palm leaves yielded highest enzyme activities, significantly enhanced by RSM optimization (1000 U/mL endoglucanase).
• Crude enzyme hydrolyzed pretreated date palm leaves, releasing 18 mg/mL glucose.

Conclusions:

• Aspergillus niger AZ193 is a robust cellulase producer.
• Date palm leaves are an underutilized substrate for sustainable biotechnological applications.
• Further research needed for enzyme purification, scale-up, and biorefinery integration.