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Biological Depolymerization of Lignin Using Laccase Harvested from the Autochthonous Fungus Schizophyllum commune Employing Various Production Methods and its Efficacy in Augmenting in vitro Digestibility in Ruminants

Summary

This research demonstrates an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to improve the nutritional value of agricultural waste products for feeding livestock. The scientists used a special enzyme called laccase, produced by a fungus, to break down tough plant materials that animals normally can’t digest well. This makes the feed more nutritious and easier for animals to digest. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a sustainable way to convert agricultural waste into valuable animal feed • Helps reduce feed costs for farmers and livestock producers • Offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical feed treatments • Improves the efficiency of livestock farming • Contributes to reducing agricultural waste and promoting circular economy

Background

Ruminant livestock can utilize crop residues as feeds, especially in developing countries. These residues contain at least 70% carbohydrates and are potential energy sources for livestock through rumen microbial fermentation. However, lignin significantly limits biomass accessibility and the ability of rumen microbes to release adequate energy levels from crop residues, restricting their value for livestock production.

Objective

To evaluate the potential of laccase enzyme harvested from Schizophyllum commune NI-07 strain using various production methods for delignification of crop residues and to validate the most efficient and economically viable technology for bulk production of laccase to improve digestibility in ruminants.

Results

Cell immobilization method showed lignin degradation of 30-40% in finger millet straw and sorghum stover, 27-32% in paddy straw, 21% in wheat straw, and 26% in maize straw. Purified and recombinant laccase achieved 20% lignin degradation. In vitro dry matter digestibility studies showed 54-59% digestibility in finger millet straw, 33-36% in paddy straw and wheat straw, 16% in maize straw using immobilized laccase, while purified and recombinant laccase showed 14% digestibility. Sorghum stover recorded 13-15% digestibility across all treatments.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that laccase production through cell immobilization was equally effective as purified and recombinant methods while being more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This method proved successful in enhancing crop residue digestibility for ruminants without requiring additional purification expenses, presenting a viable green technology for lignin depolymerization.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-022-15211-9
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