Functional Characterization of Lignocellulolytic Bacillus and Paenibacillus Species Isolated from the Gut Microbiota of the Eri Silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini)

Sheshu M

Functional Characterization of Lignocellulolytic Bacillus and Paenibacillus Species Isolated from the Gut Microbiota of the Eri Silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini)

Author(s)	Mr. Sheshu M
Country	India
Abstract	Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass represents a major renewable resource for sustainable biofuel production; however, its structural complexity limits efficient enzymatic hydrolysis. Insect gut microbiota serve as natural bioreactors for lignocellulose degradation and are increasingly explored for industrial biotechnology applications. The present study aimed to isolate and functionally characterize lignocellulolytic Bacillus and Paenibacillus species from the gut microbiota of the eri silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini). Gut homogenates were cultured, purified, and subjected to morphological and biochemical characterization. Functional screening for cellulase, xylanase, and ligninase activities was performed using Congo red-based CMC agar, minimal salt medium supplemented with xylan (MSM-L), and minimal salt medium containing lignin, respectively. Semi-quantitative scoring was conducted in triplicate. All isolates exhibited strong cellulolytic and xylanolytic activity, while differential ligninolytic potential was observed among selected strains. The findings indicate that the eri silkworm gut represents a promising microbial reservoir for lignocellulose degradation with relevance to biomass bioconversion and renewable energy research.
Keywords	Keywords: Samia cynthia ricini, lignocellulose degradation, gut microbiota, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, bioethanol, biomass conversion
Field	Biology > Zoology
Published In	Volume 17, Issue 1, January-March 2026
Published On	2026-03-05

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Functional Characterization of Lignocellulolytic Bacillus and Paenibacillus Species Isolated from the Gut Microbiota of the Eri Silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini)

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