Cellulase from Submerged Fermentation

Commercial production of cellulase enzymes by submerged culture fermentation began in the early 1970s, with cellulase made by Trichoderma sold for use in research and pilot studies. The mid-1980s saw the first large industrial uses of cellulase for stonewashing denim and as an additive for animal feeds. This was accompanied by the introduction of commercial cellulases made by fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and most importantly Humicola. By this time, the productivity of cellulase in commercial fermentations was over 400 IU l-1 h-1. Growth in cellulase use has continued into the late-1990s with other textile applications such as biopolishing, animal feed applications in increased digestibility of barley and wheat-based feeds, clarification and yield improvement for fruit juice, and in household laundry detergent.