Enterobacter asburiae: A Novel Cellulose-Degrading Soil Microorganism Capable of Utilizing Cellulose as the Sole Carbon Source

Cellulose, a major component of plant biomass, plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of Enterobacter asburiae from forest soil, demonstrating its ability to utilize cellulose as its sole carbon source. The strain was identified and confirmed through 16S rDNA sequencing and BLAST analysis. Addi-tionally, we explored the organism’s genetic potential by identifying two glycoside hydrolase genes, EA.GH1 and EA.GH2, within its genome. These genes exhibit substrate specificity, effectively degrading dextran and p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, but not cellobiose or lactose. Optimal enzyme activity was observed at pH 5.0 and 50 °C. The findings suggest that Enterobacter asburiae has potential applications in enhancing cel-lulose degradation in livestock feed, thereby improving nutrient absorption and overall feed efficiency.