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Lignin Degradation, Ligninolytic Enzymes Activities and Exopolysaccharide Production by Grifola frondosa Strains Cultivated on Oak Sawdust

Summary

This research examined how different strains of the mushroom Grifola frondosa break down oak sawdust and produce useful compounds. The study found that different strains have varying abilities to degrade wood and produce beneficial enzymes and polysaccharides. This has important implications for mushroom cultivation and biotechnology applications. Impacts on everyday life: • Improved understanding for more efficient mushroom cultivation • Better strain selection for commercial production • Potential development of new industrial enzymes • More sustainable use of wood waste materials • Applications in natural product development

Background

Grifola frondosa is a white-rot basidiomycete that produces nutritious fruit bodies used as food and contains bioactive metabolites with medicinal properties. It secretes ligninolytic enzymes to degrade lignocellulose substrates for nutrients. While favorable growing conditions exist in the southeastern United States where oak sawdust is abundant, poor yields persist despite supplementation, necessitating research into substrate degradation and strain variation.

Objective

To study 14 isolates of G. frondosa from North America, Europe and Asia for their ligninolytic enzymatic activities, lignin degradation rates, and exopolysaccharide production during cultivation on un-supplemented oak sawdust.

Results

Lignin degradation varied from 2.6-7.1% among strains. Dry matter loss ranged from 11.7-33.0%. Crude protein in dry substrate varied between 0.94-2.55%. Strain MBFBL 596 showed highest laccase activity (703.3 U/l), while MBFBL 684 had maximum peroxidase activity (22.6 U/l). Several strains (MBFBL 21, 638, 662) were good exopolysaccharide producers (3.5, 3.5, 3.2 mg/ml respectively).

Conclusion

G. frondosa appears to be a relatively weak degrader of sawdust compared to other fungi, with enzyme production, substrate degradation and exopolysaccharide production being strain-specific rather than origin-dependent. The study identified the best oak substrate-degrading strains for potential use in mass production and other biotechnological applications.
  • Published in:Brazilian Journal of Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1590/S1517-838220110003000031
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