Cloning, expression and characterization of an alkaline thermostable GH9 endoglucanase from Thermobifida halotolerans YIM 90462T

► The cellulase we cloned would expand the understanding of cellulases from the model actinomycete Thermobifida fusca YX. ► We developed a rapid purification method for secretion protein heterogeneously expressed in E. coli. ► The enzyme showed high thermal stability, even at 65 °C. ► The enzyme also had better stability at alkaline condition (pHopt = 8.0). ► The enzyme had both CMCase activity and a hydrolase activity to microcrystalline cellulose and filter papers.