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Compatible traits of oleaginous Mucoromycota fungi for lignocellulose-based simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

Summary

Scientists tested different types of fungi to see which ones are best at producing oils that can be turned into biofuel while breaking down plant material. They found that Lichtheimia corymbifera can survive at high temperatures and produce useful enzymes, making it the best candidate. The study helps identify which fungi should be used in industrial processes to make sustainable biofuels from agricultural waste.

Background

Mucoromycota fungi are promising for producing second-generation biofuels from single-cell oils using lignocellulose biomass. Despite lacking complete enzymatic capability for lignocellulose degradation, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) offers an attractive solution by combining enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation in one procedure. The study addresses the gap between optimal conditions for cellulase activity and microorganism growth.

Objective

This study evaluated specific traits of nine oleaginous Mucoromycota fungal strains to determine their suitability for lignocellulose-based SSF. Key traits assessed included thermal tolerance, biochemical composition changes with temperature, cellobiose and cellulose response, and induction of β-glucosidase and endoglucanase expression.

Results

Lichtheimia corymbifera showed the best suitability for SSF with growth up to 45°C and good cellobiose uptake with β-glucosidase and endoglucanase induction. Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Mucor circinelloides were also promising candidates. Mortierella alpina and M. hyalina showed poor suitability due to temperature sensitivity and weak cellobiose response. Temperature affected lipid saturation levels, with L. corymbifera showing decreased unsaturation at higher temperatures.

Conclusion

The study identified Lichtheimia corymbifera as the most suitable species for SSF with beneficial traits including thermal tolerance and good enzymatic responses. Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Mucor circinelloides were also identified as good candidates. These findings contribute to optimizing strain selection for producing lipid-derived second-generation biofuels through SSF processes.
  • Published in:Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39994750, DOI: 10.1186/s13068-025-02621-w
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