Abstract
Cellulosic biomass is considered as one of the most promising sources for the production of alternative renewable bioenergy and other valuable products. The abundance of cellulosic waste such as agricultural, industrial and forest waste, and the need for their biodegradation and their bioconversion into fermentable sugars, has increased the demands for more effective cellulase producing microorganisms. For this purpose, the present study was conducted to isolate thermophilic cellulolytic microorganisms. 111 thermophilic microorganisms (91 bacteria and 20 yeasts) were isolated from 10 western Algerian sources (thermal and non-thermal) and tested for the production of cellulase. The results revealed the presence of 19 thermophilic cellulolytic isolates. Macroscopic and microscopic examination has indicated the presence of 16 thermophilic bacteria and 3 thermophilic yeasts. These isolates were tested for the degradation of cellulosic biomass (printable paper, filter paper and cotton) for 14 days of incubation at 60 degrees C. The obtained results showed a great potential of these thermophilic cellulolytic microorganisms to produce thermostable cellulolytic enzymes, and can be used in the recycling of cellulosic biomass for bioenergy production after optimization studies in the future. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Petru Maior University of Tirgu Mures.