Cellulase from Aspergillus niger (C15-1291-161)

General description

The FDA recognizes cellulase from A. niger as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) if non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic strains, as well as current good manufacturing practices, are used in production.

We are committed to bringing you Greener Alternative Products, which adhere to one or more of The 12 Principles of Greener Chemistry. This product has been used as enzyme for alternative energy. For more information see the Enzymes for Alternative Energy Research.

Cellulase belongs to the family of glycoside hydrolase, which is secreted by various cellulolytic microorganisms.

Application

Cellulase from Sigma has been used to study the ability of several of its possible substrates, cellulose, Avicel PH-101, and filter paper, to protect enzyme activity during monogastric diegstion in animal and avian digestive tracts.

The enzyme has also been approved as a secondary direct food additive as an aid in clam and shrimp processing.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Cellulase from Aspergillus niger catalyzes the hydrolysis of endo-1,4-β-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, lichenin, barley glucan, and the cellooligosaccharides cellotriose to cellohexaose. It does not cleave cellobiose or p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucoside. This enzyme will also cleave intact glycosaminoglycan from a core peptide by hydrolyzing the xylosyl serine linkage.

Unit Definition

One unit will liberate 1.0 μmole of glucose from cellulose in one hr at pH 5.0 at 37 °C (2 hr incubation time).

Other Notes

View more information on enzymes for complex carbohydrate analysis at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer