Publication Date
2023
College
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Department
Biological Sciences
Document Type
Article
Description
Cellulose waste is utilized for biofuels, however cellulase enzymes are a limiting factor. We sought to evaluate a novel cellulase identified in cow rumen metagenomic analysis provided by the Joint Genome Institute. We performed DNA analysis, SDS PAGE, and a cellulase activity assay to theoretically calculate and compare to experimental molecular weight; and determine cellulase activity. The theoretical molar mass (64.9 kD) strongly correlates to the experimental molar mass (60.7 kDa). Purified cellulase has an activity, 6.27 cm2/ug, 6x higher versus commercial cellulase enzyme. These results have positive implications for the creation of biofuels from agricultural waste products.