Qualitative Determination of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes in Eight Wood-Decomposing Fungi

Abstract

Many fungal species are capable of degrading wood components by the secretion of specialized enzymes including the lignocellulotyic enzymes. A qualitative study was conducted to determine the production of lignocellulotyic enzymes in eight wood-decomposing fungi: Armillaria mellea, Auricularia auricular, Chaetomium cupreum, Daedalea elegans, Fomes noxious, Ganoderma applanatum, Laetiporus sulphureus and Pleurotus pulmonarius. The dye diffusion method was used in determining the cellulose and hemicellulose modifying enzymes, while brilliant blue agar clearance method of qualitative assay (using brilliant cresyl blue C.I.52010 dye) was used in determining the lignin modifying enzymes production by the fungi. The results showed that Armillaria mellea, C. cupreum, F. noxious and L. sulphureus tested positive for the production of cellulose and hemicellulose modifying enzymes, while Auricularia auricular, D. elegans, G. applanatum and P. pulmonarius tested positive for lignin modifying enzymes, negative for cellulose and hemicellulose modifying enzymes. Armillaria mellea and Chaetomium cupreum appeared to possess all the lignocellulose modifying enzymes tested. This study showed that all the 8 wood decomposing fungi have at least one lignocellulolytic enzyme that could be utilized for industrial purposes, especially in chemical, fuel and food industries.

Keywords: Cellulose, Enzymes, Fungi, Lignin, Lignocellulose