An overview on the recent developments in fungal cellulase production and their industrial applications

Abstract The enzyme cellulase is a consortium of three enzymes- exo-glucanase, endo-glucanse and β-glucosidase, which can be produced by various microorganisms naturally and is ecologically important as it recycle cellulose in biosphere. Cellulase is a potential candidate in numerous industries as textile, detergent, pulp and paper, bioactive compounds, food, animal feed, biofuel, etc. Due to its immense applications in different fields, cellulase is intensively researched by both academics and industries. The driving force behind the research on cellulase is its commercial potential and enormous applications in various industries. The objective of this article is to discuss fungal cellulase complex, production, and industrial application. Consideration is also given to recent production processes as submerged and solid state fermentation including different types of reactors used for cellulase production. The strategies for cost reduction and hyper cellulase production like mixed culture and genetic manipulation are also discussed along with global players of cellulase producers/suppliers.