Publication date: Sep 01, 2025

Microbial enzymes, particularly cellulases, are widely used in industrial processes; however, their therapeutic potential remains underexplored. This study investigates the antibacterial, antitumor, and antiviral properties of a cellulase enzyme produced by Aspergillus niger using coir waste as a substrate. Cellulase production was carried out via solid-state fermentation. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29737), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25619), and MRSA. The synergistic antibiofilm effect of cellulase with azithromycin was assessed. Cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was analyzed using MTT assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity, caspase-3 activation, and cytokine profiling (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10). Antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 was also examined. The produced cellulase exhibited an activity of 3. 7 U/mL. No direct bactericidal effect was observed, but a significant synergistic reduction in biofilm biomass was noted with azithromycin. The enzyme reduced cancer cell viability, increased antioxidant (DPPH) activity, elevated caspase-3 levels, and modulated cytokine expression by decreasing TNF-α and IL-6 while increasing IL-10. Notably, the enzyme formulation demonstrated strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Cellulase derived from A. niger presents significant biological potential, including antibiofilm, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties. These findings suggest promising applications of microbial cellulase in therapeutic development.

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