CO-PRODUCTION OF XYLANASE AND CELLULASE BY PSEUDOMONAS SP. PAA2 CULTIVATED ON SELECTED AGRO-WASTES AT OPTIMIZED CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective biotechnological solutions has intensified interest in the broad use of industrial enzymes from lignocellulosic residues. In this study, the microbial production of xylanase and cellulase using agro-wastes from plantain (stalk and peel) as substrates in optimized submerged fermentation process were explored. Bacteria strains were isolated from decomposing organic matter (rotten plantain stalks) and subjected to quantitative screening for enzyme production. Culture conditions such as pH, carbon and nitrogen source as well as alkali-pretreatment were optimized for the production of xylanase and cellulase. Among the isolates, Pseudomonas sp. PAA2, was identified as the best xylanase producer with highest production observed at 48 h with plantain stalk and 42 h for peel. The yield of both xylanase and cellulase increased as the percentage carbon source increased in the medium. Optimum yield of xylanase and cellulase were recorded when urea was used as nitrogen source with peel, while, peptone favoured xylanase production with plantain stalk. However, optimum pH for xylanase production was at slightly acidic pH 6.5 for both stalk and peel, whereas, pH 4.5 favour cellulase production with peel and pH 6.5 with stalk. This research established that plantain stalk and peel are effective low-cost substrates for the production of both xylanase and cellulase, showcasing a promising biotechnological strategy for enzyme production while contributing to agro-waste valorization and environmental sustainability.