Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Aglaia POPA
Lignocellulosic biomass is considered to be the most abundant renewable biomass in the world. However, since only 5% of it is valorised, research is still focused on a better degradability of this waste due to its potential in various applications. Given the structural complexity, recalcitrance and variety depending on the source, several enzymes are involved in a better degradation of lignocellulose. This research study is focused on testing two fungal isolates on their ability to depolymerise two lignocellulosic substrates with a different chemical composition: beech sawdust and wheat bran. The fungal isolates were obtained through random UV mutagenesis from Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. The fungal strains were compared based on their enzymatic activities regarding the production of endoxylanase, acetyl xylan esterase, feruloyl esterase and laccase. The highest specific enzymatic activities for all the enzymes analysed were registered for Aspergillus brasiliensis UV14, a strain obtained after exposure to UV irradiation for 50 minutes.
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