In vitro evaluation of three white rot fungi for their lignolytic potential and biopulping action on Eucalyptus and Bamboo

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Abstract

Abstract The study aimed to assess the lignolytic enzyme production in three white rot fungi (WRF) upon stimulation with metal ion (FeSO 4.7H 2 O) and thereby develop an optimal fungal consortium for biopulping applications. Invitro wood decay experiments conducted with Eucalyptus and Bamboo demonstrated significant weight loss following inoculation with Trametes versicolor (TV), Ganoderma lucidum (GL), and Schizophyllum commune (SC). Over time (45–90 days), the weight loss gradually increased in all inoculations, ranging from 6.5–16.9% for Eucalyptus and 7.9–17.7% for Bamboo. Qualitative plate assays revealed TV’s positive ligninolytic potential in all tests, SC in three, and GL in only two tests. Secondary screening confirmed laccase, manganese peroxidase, and lignin peroxidase activities for all fungi, with SC consistently exhibiting higher activity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis of Eucalyptus sawdust treated with individual fungi and the consortium (TV, GL, and SC) showed significant lignin degradation compared to the control. While individual strains displayed a decrease in lignin-associated bands, the consortium exhibited a more pronounced decrease (98.55% and 84.21% at I 1511 /I 1739 and I 1248 /I 1739 ), indicating synergistic effects. Conversely, cellulose and hemicellulose associated band intensities increased, suggesting preferential lignin degradation by the fungal consortium. Overall, the study highlights the potential of all three fungal isolates to produce lignolytic enzymes with industrial applications.