Objective: This study aimed to obtain glucose from α-cellulose of pineapple leaves using cellulase enzymes from Penicillium vermiculatum.

Method: The cellulase activity of Penicillium vermiculatum measured through clear zone and sugar reduction method. α-cellulose of pineapple leaves was hydrolyzed using crude extract enzyme of Penicillium vermiculatum. Glucose identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and qualitative analysis using the Fehling test.

Results: Cellulase activity of Penicillium vermiculatum based on transparent zone showed clear zone diameter around 3 cm and based on sugar reduction showed glucose concentration was 380.4000 µg/mL. The optimal conditions for glucose preparation were at 50 ˚C in a buffer solution of pH 5 with an enzyme concentration of 2% for 48 hours at a 160 rpm incubator shaker speed. The FTIR spectrum of glucose obtained shows similarities to the standard glucose spectrum especially in the fingerprint region. Fehling reagent test compared with standard glucose showed positive results, namely the formation of red deposits.

Conclusion: Glucose can be obtained from α-cellulose of pineapple leaves using cellulase enzymes from Penicillium vermiculatum.