Resuscitation of viable but non-culturable bacteria to enhance the cellulose-degrading capability of bacterial community in composting.

Nowadays, much of what we know regarding the isolated cellulolytic bacteria comes from the conventional plate separation techniques. However, the culturability of many bacterial species is controlled by resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs) due to entering a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. Therefore, in this study, Rpf from Micrococcus luteus was added in the culture medium to evaluate its role in bacterial isolation and enhanced effects on cellulose-degrading capability of bacterial community in the compost. It was found that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were two main phyla in the compost sample. The introduction of Rpf could isolate some unique bacterial species. The cellulase activity of enrichment cultures with and without Rpf treatment revealed that Rpf treatment significantly enhanced cellulase activity. Ten isolates unique in Rpf addition displayed carboxymethyl-cellulase (CMCase) activity, while six isolates possessed filter paper cellulase (FPCase) activity. This study provides new insights into broader cellulose degraders, which could be utilized for enhancing cellulosic waste treatment.