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Fungal Ligninolytic Enzymes and Their Application in Biomass Lignin Pretreatment

Summary

Scientists tested ten different types of fungi to see which ones could best break down lignin, a tough natural material found in plants. Four fungi species showed exceptional ability to produce special enzymes that decompose lignin. These findings could help develop new eco-friendly industrial processes for converting plant waste into useful products, potentially reducing reliance on chemical treatments and fossil fuels.

Background

Lignocellulosic biomass is a significant renewable resource composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Lignin’s complex cross-linked structure makes it highly resistant to degradation. Wood-rotting fungi naturally degrade lignin through extracellular ligninolytic enzymes, offering potential for industrial biomass pretreatment applications.

Objective

To screen ten fungal strains for their ability to produce ligninolytic enzymes using ABTS and Azure B dye decolorization assays. The study aimed to identify the most potent fungi capable of enzyme secretion on lignin and hay biomass substrates for potential application in lignocellulose pretreatment.

Results

Four fungal strains demonstrated superior ligninolytic enzyme production: Irpex lacteus (100% ABTS oxidation on lignin media), Pleurotus dryinus (82.7% on lignin media), Bjerkandera adusta (82.7% on lignin media, complete Azure B decolorization), and Trametes versicolor (55-70% oxidation). All selected strains showed adaptation to carbon source limitation while maintaining enzyme secretion ability.

Conclusion

Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus dryinus, Bjerkandera adusta, and Trametes versicolor were identified as potent fungal strains for lignin-degrading enzyme production. These findings suggest these fungal cultures have significant potential for developing environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost-efficient technologies for industrial lignin pretreatment and lignocellulosic biomass degradation.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Screening Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof9070780, PMID: 37504768
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