Abstract

The tendency of bacteria to adhere to substrates play an important role in various biochemical processes associated with biofilms and flocs. Adhesion is considered to be a prerequisite for hydrolysis of cellulose and therefore is essential for decomposition of crop residues and other lignocellulosic wastes. The cellulose-cellulase system is heterogenous and the hydrolysis reaction involves multi-enzyme system. On adherence by bacteria, the cellulase complex on the bacterial surface bind to the substrate in optimal configuration. In anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria, cellulosome a complex consisting of both cellulolytic enzysnes and specific adhesion proteins play a vital role in the hydrolysis of cellulose. This phenomenon positively help for fibre degradation in biogas reactors and cattle rumen. The role of bacterial adhesion in cellulolysis and its application possibilities is discussed.

Keywords: Cellulolytic bacteria, adhesion, cellulolysis, cellulase