Abstract

• Cellulases are key enzymes that hydrolyze cellulose into simpler sugars, making them vital for applications such as bioethanol production and use in the textile and paper industries. Bacteria obtained from different soil samples in South Dagon Township, Yangon Region were assessed for cellulose degradation. Cellulose degrading bacteria were isolated from wood industry soil and bamboo tree soil samples using serial dilution and pour plate method. This study was directed towards the isolation and screening of cellulase producing bacteria from wood industry soil and bamboo tree soil samples on CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) agar plates, by Congo Red staining. A total 18 bacteria were isolated from wood industry soil and bamboo tree soil. Out of 18 isolated bacteria, six isolates were showed clear zones of hydrolysis on CMC agar. Among cellulolytic bacteria, two cellulolytic bacteria were isolated from wood industry soil and four cellulolytic bacteria were isolated from bamboo tree soil. Among the six strains, Bacillus spp.2 was showed the highest cellulose hydrolysis activity from bamboo tree soil. Bacteria identification was carried out according to colony morphology, gram stain appearance and their biochemical reaction based on Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. These findings highlight the potential of local soil environments as a source for highly active, industrial-relevant cellulolytic bacterial strains.