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

Summary

Researchers tested nine types of fungi to find which ones are best at producing oils from plant waste for making biofuels. They tested how well each fungus could handle higher temperatures and break down cellulose, which is the main component of plant material. Lichtheimia corymbifera was the clear winner because it could grow at higher temperatures while still breaking down plant material efficiently, making it ideal for the combined process of breaking down and fermenting plant waste.

Background

Mucoromycota fungi are promising for producing second-generation biofuels from single-cell oils using lignocellulose biomass. Despite lacking efficient lignocellulose degradation capabilities, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) offers an attractive solution by combining enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation in one procedure. The challenge is bridging the gap between optimal enzyme conditions (50°C, pH 4.5-5.5) and optimal microbial growth conditions (25-30°C, pH 6.0-7.0).

Objective

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

Results

Lichtheimia corymbifera was identified as the most suitable strain, capable of growth up to 45°C with decreased lipid unsaturation and good cellobiose uptake with β-glucosidase and endoglucanase induction. Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Mucor circinelloides were good candidates with optimal growth at 35°C and strong β-glucosidase expression. Mortierella alpina and M. hyalina were unsuitable due to low temperature tolerance and poor cellobiose utilization.

Conclusion

The study identified beneficial traits of Mucoromycota species for SSF using lignocellulose, particularly thermal tolerance and cellulase expression in response to cellobiose. This information enables optimal selection of fungal strains for producing lipid-derived second-generation biofuels through lignocellulose-based 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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