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Screening of Lignocellulose-Degrading Superior Mushroom Strains and Determination of Their CMCase and Laccase Activity

Summary

This research identified mushroom strains that can effectively break down plant waste materials through natural enzyme production. The study found that certain edible mushrooms, particularly Coprinus comatus, produce powerful enzymes that can decompose tough plant materials like cellulose and lignin. This discovery has important implications for everyday life: • Provides an environmentally friendly way to process agricultural waste and reduce pollution • Offers potential for producing biofuels from plant waste materials • Creates opportunity for dual-purpose mushroom farming that produces both food and helps process waste • Reduces dependence on chemical processing methods that can harm the environment • Helps develop more sustainable waste management solutions for farms and forests

Background

Lignocellulose is an abundant renewable carbohydrate source, with approximately 6.0 × 109 tons generated annually worldwide through photosynthesis. However, only about 20% is currently utilized for energy and food. Agricultural residues rich in lignocellulosic compounds pose disposal challenges due to their complex structure. While chemical and physical pretreatment methods exist, they are energy-intensive and polluting. Some edible and medicinal mushrooms naturally produce enzymes capable of efficiently degrading cellulose and lignin, making them promising candidates for sustainable lignocellulose processing.

Objective

To screen and identify superior mushroom strains capable of degrading lignocellulose by evaluating their ability to produce carbomethyl cellulase (CMCase) and laccase enzymes. The study aimed to find strains that could both produce mushrooms and effectively break down lignocellulose waste materials for bioenergy production.

Results

Hericium erinaceus showed the highest ratio of transparent circle to mycelium circle (8.16) in CMC screening. In enzyme assays, Coprinus comatus demonstrated the highest CMCase activity (33.92 U/L) and laccase activity (496.67 U/L). Pleurotus nebrodensis also showed high laccase activity (489.17 U/L). Hericium erinaceus and Macrolepiota procera performed well in filter paper degradation tests. Overall, Coprinus comatus emerged as the most promising strain, capable of producing both CMCase and laccase at high levels.

Conclusion

Based on multiple screening methods and enzyme assays, Coprinus comatus was identified as the most promising lignocellulose-degrading mushroom strain, demonstrating superior ability to produce both CMCase and laccase enzymes. This strain shows potential for dual use in mushroom production and bioenergy development through lignocellulose waste processing.
  • Published in:The Scientific World Journal,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Screening Study,
  • Source: 10.1155/2014/763108
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