Authors: Monika Yadav, Nitika Dhaka, Nikita Kadian, Krishna Kant Sharma, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Kapoor
Abstract
Technology Area
This technology falls under Industrial Biotechnology, specifically focusing on enzyme technology and bioprocessing for lignocellulosic biomass valorization, with applications in industrial enzyme production and sustainable biorefinery processes.
Technology
The present technology relates to the isolation, screening, production, and partial purification of a thermostable and alkaline xylanase enzyme from a fungal strain identified as Aspergillus sp. MS8, isolated from soil and lignocellulosic waste samples collected from Maharshi Dayanand University Forest, Rohtak, Haryana, India. A total of 39 fungal isolates were obtained and screened using qualitative (Congo red assay) and quantitative (DNSA method) approaches for xylanase activity. The selected isolate MS8 demonstrated the highest enzyme activity and was further characterized morphologically and biochemically. The enzyme was produced under submerged fermentation using Czapek’s medium and partially purified via acetone precipitation, resulting in a ~3-fold increase in specific activity. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa, and zymogram analysis confirmed enzyme purity and absence of isoforms.
Potential Market / Customers
This technology has significant applications across multiple industrial sectors, including: Pulp and Paper Industry: Biobleaching and delignification processes, Biofuel Industry: Pre-treatment and saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production, Food and Feed Industry: Improvement of digestibility and nutritional value of animal feed
Technology Valuation (Commercial Potential & Value Proposition)
The developed xylanase enzyme demonstrates strong commercial potential due to the following value propositions:Thermostability and Alkaline Tolerance: Suitable for harsh industrial processing conditions, reducing enzyme denaturation and increasing process efficiency.
