Induction of cellulases by disaccharides or their derivatives in Penicillium janthinellum EMS-UV-8 mutant

Disaccharides or their derivatives were analyzed for the induction of cellulases by Penicillium janthinellum EMS-UV-8 mutant. Among seven (Crocin, Gentiobiose, Cellobiose, α-D-Cellobiose octaacetate, Trehalose, Melibiose, Turanose) different compounds tested, α-D-Cellobiose octaacetate (COA) was found to be promising for induction of cellulases. The maximum of 0.8 IU/mL filter paper units, 4.7 IU/mL β–glucosidase and 1.0 mg/mL protein were produced using 0.1% (weight/volume) COA as an inducer and 1% glucose as a carbon source for growth. Next to COA the gentiobiose, trehalose, melibiose and turanose also induce cellulase but at a low level. The induction of cellulase was also analyzed in the presence and absence of light and it was found that the absence of light supports more growth and less cellulase induction, while in the presence of light mycelial growth was restricted but more cellulases were induced. The knowledge of cellulase induction by COA and light could be beneficial for large-scale cellulase production for conversion of cellulosic biomass to biofuels.