Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated sugar cane bagasse using Penicillium funiculosum and Trichoderma harzianum cellulases

Exploring Diversity and Polymer Degrading Potential of Epiphytic Bacteria Isolated from Marine Macroalgae

The macroalgae surface allows specific bacterial communities to colonize, resulting in complex biological interactions. In recent years, several researchers have studied the diversity and function of the epiphytic bacteria associated with algal host, but largely these interactions remain underexplored. In the present study we analysed the cultivable diversity and polymer degradation potential of epiphytic bacteria associated with five different marine macroalgae (Sargassum, Ulva, Padina, Dictyota and Pterocladia sp.) sampled from the central west coast of India. Out of the total 360 strains isolated, purified and preserved, about 238 strains were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and processed for polymer (cellulose, pectin, xylan and starch) degrading activities. Phylogeny placed the strains within the classes Actinobacteria, Bacilli, Alpha-proteobacteria, and Gamma-proteobacteria and clustered them into 45 genera, wherein Vibrio, Bacillus, Pseudoalteromonas, Alteromonas, Staphylococcus and Kocuria spp. were the most abundant with 20 strains identified as potentially novel taxa within the genera Bacillus, Cellulosimicrobium, Gordonia, Marinomonas, Vibrio, Luteimonas and Pseudoalteromonas. In terms of polymer hydrolysis potential, 61.3% had xylanase activity, while 59.7%, 58.8%, and 52.2% had amylase, cellulase, and pectinase activity, respectively. Overall, 75.6% of the strains degraded more than one polysaccharide, 24% degraded all polymers, while nine strains (3.8%) degraded raw sugarcane bagasse. This study showed great potential for seaweed-associated bacteria in the bio-remediation of agro-waste based raw materials, which can be employed in the form of green technology.

Biochemical Characterization of Cellulase From Bacillus subtilis Strain and its Effect on Digestibility and Structural Modifications of Lignocellulose Rich Biomass

Microbial cellulases have become the mainstream biocatalysts due to their complex nature and widespread industrial applications. The present study reports the partial purification and characterization of cellulase from Bacillus subtilis CD001 and its application in biomass saccharification. Out of four different substrates, carboxymethyl cellulose, when amended as fermentation substrate, induced the highest cellulase production from B. subtilis CD001. The optimum activity of CMCase, FPase, and amylase was 2.4 U/ml, 1.5 U/ml, and 1.45 U/ml, respectively. The enzyme was partially purified by (NH₄)₂SO₄ precipitation and sequenced through LC-MS/MS. The cellulase was found to be approximately 55 kDa by SDS-PAGE and capable of hydrolyzing cellulose, as confirmed by zymogram analysis. The enzyme was assigned an accession number AOR98335.1 and displayed 46% sequence homology with 14 peptide-spectrum matches having 12 unique peptide sequences. Characterization of the enzyme revealed it to be an acidothermophilic cellulase, having an optimum activity at pH 5 and a temperature of 60°C. Kinetic analysis of partially purified enzyme showed the Km and Vmax values of 0.996 mM and 1.647 U/ml, respectively. The enzyme activity was accelerated by ZnSO_4, MnSO_4, and MgSO_4, whereas inhibited significantly by EDTA and moderately by β-mercaptoethanol and urea. Further, characterization of the enzyme saccharified sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and filter paper by SEM, ATR-FTIR, and XRD revealed efficient hydrolysis and structural modifications of cellulosic materials, indicating the potential industrial application of the B. subtilis CD001 cellulase. The findings demonstrated the potential suitability of cellulase from B. subtilis CD001 for use in current mainstream biomass conversion into fuels and other industrial processes.

Screening of Lignocellulolytic Enzyme Activities in Fungal Species and Sequential Solid-State and Submerged Cultivation for the Production of Enzyme Cocktails

Various fungal species can degrade lignocellulolytic materials with their enzyme cocktails composed of cellulolytic and lignolytic enzymes. In this work, seven fungal species (Mucor indicus DSM 2185, Paecilomyces variotii CBS 372.70, Myceliophthora thermophila CBS 663.74, Thielavia terrestris CBS 456.75, Botryosphaeria dothidea JCM 2738, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. langenariae JCM 9293, and Fusarium verticillioides JCM 23107) and four nutrient media were used in the screening for effective lignocellulose degrading enzymes. From the seven tested fungi, F. oxysporum and F. verticilliodes, along with nutrient medium 4, were selected as the best medium and producers of lignocellulolytic enzymes based on the determined xylanase (>4 U mg-1) and glucanase activity (≈2 U mg-1). Nutrient medium 4 supplemented with pretreated corn cobs was used in the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes by sequential solid-state and submerged cultivation of F. oxysporum, F. verticilliodes, and a mixed culture of both strains. F. oxysporum showed 6 times higher exoglucanase activity (3.33 U mg-1) after 5 days of cultivation in comparison with F. verticillioides (0.55 U mg-1). F. oxysporum also showed 2 times more endoglucanase activity (0.33 U mg-1). The mixed culture cultivation showed similar endo- and exoglucanase activities compared to F. oxysporum (0.35 U mg-1; 7.84 U mg-1). Maximum xylanase activity was achieved after 7 days of cultivation of F. verticilliodes (≈16 U mg-1), while F. oxysporum showed maximum activity after 9 days that was around 2 times lower compared to that of F. verticilliodes. The mixed culture achieved maximum xylanase activity after only 4 days, but the specific activity was similar to activities observed for F. oxysporum. It can be concluded that both fungal strains can be used as producers of enzyme cocktails for the degradation of lignocellulose containing raw materials, and that corn cobs can be used as an inducer for enzyme production.

Structural characterization of the lignin-carbohydrate complex in biomass pretreated with Fenton oxidation and hydrothermal treatment and consequences on enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency

In this study, lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) were isolated from biomass (raw and pretreated) to investigate the structural changes in biomass pretreated by Fenton oxidation and hydrothermal treatment, and their effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. The composition and structure of the LCCs fractions were investigated via carbohydrate analysis, XRD, FT-IR, and 2D HSQC NMR. The biomass degradation rate of yellow poplar and larch during Fenton oxidation and hydrothermal treatment was approximately 30%. Most of the hemicellulose was degraded during pretreatment, while xylan remained in the yellow poplar, and galactan, mannan, and xylan remained in the larch. The fractional yield of glucan-rich LCC (LCC1) in the yellow poplar (raw and pretreated biomass) was high, while that of glucomannan-rich LCC (LCC3) in larch was higher than the yield yellow poplar. Phenyl glycoside, γ-ester, and benzyl ether linkages were observed in the LCCs of yellow poplar, while phenyl glycoside and γ-ester were detected in those of larch. Following pretreatment, the frequencies of β-β', β-5, and γ-ester in the LCCs of larch were found to be higher than in those of yellow poplar. The efficiencies of enzymatic hydrolysis for the pretreated yellow poplar and larch were 93.53% and 26.23%, respectively. These finding indicated that the β-β', β-5, and γ-ester linkages included in the pretreated biomass affected the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis.

Sugarcane bagasse: a biomass sufficiently applied for improving global energy, environment and economic sustainability

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SCB) is a biomass of agricultural waste obtained from sugarcane processing that has been found in abundance globally. Due to its abundance in nature, researchers have been harnessing this biomass for numerous applications such as in energy and environmental sustainability. However, before it could be optimally utilised, it has to be pre-treated using available methods. Different pre-treatment methods were reviewed for SCB, both alkaline and alkali-acid process reveal efficient and successful approaches for obtaining higher glucose production from hydrolysis. Procedures for hydrolysis were evaluated, and results indicate that pre-treated SCB was susceptible to acid and enzymatic hydrolysis as > 80% glucose yield was obtained in both cases. The SCB could achieve a bio-ethanol (a biofuel) yield of > 0.2 g/g at optimal conditions and xylitol (a bio-product) yield at > 0.4 g/g in most cases. Thermochemical processing of SCB also gave excellent biofuel yields. The plethora of products obtained in this regard have been catalogued and elucidated extensively. As found in this study, the SCB could be used in diverse applications such as adsorbent, ion exchange resin, briquettes, ceramics, concrete, cement and polymer composites. Consequently, the SCB is a biomass with great potential to meet global energy demand and encourage environmental sustainability.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass Using an Optimized Enzymatic Cocktail Prepared from Secretomes of Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Amazonian Biodiversity

The use of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) has emerged as one of the main strategies for generating renewable biofuels. For the efficient use of such feedstock, pre-treatments are essential. The hydrolysis of cellulose - major component of LCB - demands enzymatic cocktails with improved efficiency to generate fermentable sugars. In this scenario, lignocellulolytic fungi have enormous potential for the development of efficient enzyme platforms. In this study, two enzymatic cocktails were developed for hydrolysis of two lignocellulosic biomasses: industrial cellulose pulp and cassava peel. The solid biomass ratio in relation to the protein content of the enzyme cocktail was performed by experimental design. The optimized cocktail for the hydrolysis of cellulose pulp (AMZ 1) was composed, in protein base, by 43% of Aspergillus sp. LMI03 enzyme extract and 57% of T. reesei QM9414, while the optimal enzyme cocktail for cassava peel hydrolysis (AMZ 2) was composed by 50% of Aspergillus sp. LMI03 enzyme extract, 25% of the extract of P. citrinum LMI01 and 25% of T. reesei. The ratio between solids and protein loading for AMZ 1 cocktail performance was 52 g/L solids and 30 mg protein/g solids, resulting in a hydrolytic efficiency of 93%. For the AMZ 2 cocktail, the hydrolytic efficiency was 78% for an optimized ratio of 78 g/L solids and 19 mg protein/g solids. These results indicate that cocktails formulated with enzymatic extracts of P. citrinum LMI01, Aspergillus sp. LMI03, and T. reesei QM9414 are excellent alternatives for efficient hydrolysis of plant biomass and for other processes that depend on biocatalysis.

Carbonization temperature and feedstock type interactively affect chemical, fuel, and surface properties of hydrochars

The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process that converts wet/dry biomass to hydrochars (for use as solid fuels or adsorbents) needs to be optimized. We investigated the interactive effects of feedstock type and HTC temperature on chemical, fuel, and surface properties of hydrochars produced from lignocellulosic (canola straw, sawdust and wheat straw) and non-lignocellulosic feedstocks (manure pellet) at 180, 240 and 300 °C. Increased HTC temperature decreased hydrochar yield and surface functional group abundance, but increased hydrochar thermal stability due to increased devolatilization and carbonization. Hydrochar surface area ranged from 1.76 to 30.59 m²g^-1, much lower than those of commercially available activated carbon. Lignocellulosic and non-lignocellulosic feedstocks were distinctly affected by HTC temperature due to variable carbonization from ashing. Hydrochars produced from lignocellulosic biomass at 240 and 300 °C resembled high-volatile bituminous coal. Hydrochars should be designed for specific applications such as fuels by selecting specific feedstock types and carbonization conditions.

Sequential process of solid-state cultivation with fungal consortium and ethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae from sugarcane bagasse

Solid-state cultivation (SSC) is the microbial growth on solid supports, producing a nutrient-rich solution by cell enzymes that may be further used as a generic microbial medium. "Second-generation" ethanol is obtained by fermentation from mainly the acid hydrolysates of lignocellulosic wastes, generating several microbial growth inhibitors. Thus, this research aimed at evaluating the feasibility of ethanol fermentation from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate after SSC with vinasse as the impregnating solution by a consortium of A. niger and T. reesei as opposed to the conventional method of acid hydrolysis. Fermentation of the hydrolysate from SSC leading to the yield of 0.40 g g^-1, i.e., about 78% of maximum stoichiometric indicating that the nonconventional process allowed the use of two by-products from sugarcane processing in addition to ethanol production from glucose release.

β-Glucosidase produced by Moniliophthora perniciosa: Characterization and application in the hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse

β-Glucosidases (BGLs) belong to the group of enzymes of cellulases and act in the last stage of cellulose degradation, releasing glucose molecules, eliminating the inhibitory effect of cellobiose. This study focused on the production, characterization, and application of BGL from Moniliophthora perniciosa in the hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse (3% NaOH + 6% Na₂ SO₃ ), with varying enzymatic loads and reaction times. The enzyme showed an optimum pH of 4.5 and 60°C. It was stable at all temperatures analyzed (50-90°C) and retained about 100% of its activity at 50°C after 60 min of incubation. Among the ions analyzed, BaCl₂ increased BGL activity 9.04 ± 1.41 times. The maximum production of reducing sugars (89.15%) was achieved after 48 h with 10 mg of protein.

Cellulolytic bacterium characterization and genome functional analysis: An attempt to lay the foundation for waste management

Lignocellulosic waste has offered a cost-effective and food security-wise substrate for the generation of biofuels and value-added products. Here, whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses were performed for Serratia sp. AXJ-M. The results showed that strain AXJ-M contained a high proportion of strain-specific genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, the genetic basis of strain AXJ-M for efficient degradation of cellulose was identified. Cellulase activity tests revealed strong cellulose degradation ability and cellulase activities in strain AXJ-M. mRNA expression indicated that GH1, GH3 and GH8 might determine the strain's cellulose degradation ability. The SWISS-MODEL and Ramachandran Plot were used to predict and evaluate the 3D structure, respectively. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) were used to analyze the cellulose degradation products. Further research is needed to elucidate the cellulose degradation mechanism and to develop industrial applications for lignocellulosic biomass degradation and waste management.

Statistical optimization of a cellulase from Aspergillus glaucus CCHA for hydrolyzing corn and rice straw by RSM to enhance yield of reducing sugar

OBJECTIVE

The unique GH5 cellulase, AgCMCase, from Aspergillus glaucus CCHA was identified and characterized as having high cellulose and straw hydrolysis activities that were thermostable, pH stable and salt-tolerant. Therefore, it is a potential straw-degradation enzyme that can release reducing sugars in industrial applications. To increase the efficiency of the AgCMCase' hydrolysis of straw to release simple sugars, response surface methodology (RSM) was introduced to optimize hydrolysis parameters such as pH, temperature, reaction time and enzyme dose.

RESULTS

The enzyme showed only one major protein band from the fermentation broth by the Pichia pastoris GS115 expression. The crude enzyme (without purification) showed a satisfactory capability to hydrolyze CMC-Na after 4 days of production. Here, the crude AgCMCase also showed cellulose and straw hydrolysis capabilities as assessed by scanning electron microscopic and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analyses. A high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis demonstrated that the degradation of corn and rice straw by crude AgCMCase mainly produced glucose and cellobiose. Temperature, reaction time and enzyme dose were the significant variables affecting corn and rice straw degradation. After the optimization of RSM, a model was proposed to predict 1.48% reducing sugar yield with the optimum temperature (51.45 °C) and reaction time (3.84 h) from the straw degradation. The reaction of crude AgCMCase and rice straw in the optimized condition resulted in reducing sugar production of 1.61% that agrees the prediction.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the crude AgCMCase is suitable to be used in straw conversion.

Superior cellulolytic activity of Trichoderma guizhouense on raw wheat straw

Lignocellulosic plant biomass is the world's most abundant carbon source and has consequently attracted attention as a renewable resource for production of biofuels and commodity chemicals that could replace fossil resources. Due to its recalcitrant nature, it must be pretreated by chemical, physical or biological means prior to hydrolysis, introducing additional costs. In this paper, we tested the hypothesis that fungi which thrive on lignocellulosic material (straw, bark or soil) would be efficient in degrading untreated lignocellulose. Wheat straw was used as a model. We developed a fast and simple screening method for cellulase producers and tested one hundred Trichoderma strains isolated from wheat straw. The most potent strain-UB483FTG2/ TUCIM 4455, was isolated from substrate used for mushroom cultivation and was identified as T. guizhouense. After optimization of growth medium, high cellulase activity was already achieved after 72 h of fermentation on raw wheat straw, while the model cellulase overproducing strain T. reesei QM 9414 took 170 h and reached only 45% of the cellulase activity secreted by T. guizhouense. Maximum production levels were 1.1 U/mL (measured with CMC as cellulase substrate) and 0.7 U/mL (β-glucosidase assay). The T. guizhouense cellulase cocktail hydrolyzed raw wheat straw within 35 h. Our study shows that screening for fungi that successfully compete for special substrates in nature will lead to the isolation of strains with qualitatively and quantitatively superior enzymes needed for their digestion which could be used for industrial purposes.

Production with a High Yield of Bacterial Cellulose Nanocrystals by Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Bacterial cellulose nanocrystals are highly crystalline structures with nanoscopic scale dimensions that have received increased attention in the nanocomposites area. Its properties, such as large surface area, low density, mechanical strength and ease of modification, are attractive to the preparation many kinds of nanomaterials applied multifunctional in various fields. Besides, the cellulose nanocrystals are from abundant and renewable sources that are biodegradable. An altemative method is to obtain bacterial cellulose nanocrystal by enzymatic hydrolysis because it is, less expensive, it does not use chemicals and it requires much less energy. In this sense, the primary objective of this study was to produce bacterial cellulose using glycerol as a carbon source and isolate nanocrystals from bacterial cellulose using the enzymatic hydrolysis. This study also investigated the yield of nanocrystals depending on the weight of the bacterial cellulose hydrogel, keeping constant some enzymes. The study shows us that the enzymatic method has the best performance when using cellulose hydrogel 2[Formula: see text]g to 40[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]L cellulase enzyme (endoglucanase) and 1[Formula: see text]mL of citrate buffer. Also, it was observed that the yield of nanocrystals decrease with increasing time required for the hydrolysis.

Data on morphological features change of pre-hydrolysis treated sugarcane bagasse using in-situ sodium hydroxide-sodium bisulfate method

The Scan Electron Microscope Images (SEM), X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) dataset has been outlined investigating morphological features change of native sugarcane bagasse, as an agro-industrial lignocellulosic feedstock waste and a potential for cellulose biopolymer extraction, pretreated by alkali (sodium hydroxide) followed by an acid step (sodium bisulfate) in an exothermic in-situ one step, pretreated by acid (sulfuric acid) followed by residual solid fraction alkali pretreatment (sodium hydroxide) in a two separate individual steps and finally after the enzymatic cellulolysis. Data explained herein helps to extend and add to knowledge regarding the impact unlikeness of two different pretreatment methodologies utilize the same chemicals and relatively same concentrations on the cellulosic fiber morphological features and consequently its enzymatic accessibility. This data are related to Egypt Patent Office application, 1349/2017, entitled “In-situ sodium hydroxide-sodium bisulfate sugarcane bagasse pretreatment for biofuel production”,Zohri et al., 2017 [1].

Designing cellulolytic enzyme systems for biorefinery: From nature to application

Cellulolytic enzymes play a key role on conversion of lignocellulosic plant biomass to biofuels and biochemicals in sugar platform biorefineries. In this review, we survey composite carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) among groups of cellulolytic fungi and bacteria that exist under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Recent advances in designing effective cellulase mixtures are described, starting from the most complex microbial consortium-based enzyme preparations, to single-origin enzymes derived from intensively studied cellulase producers such as Trichoderma reesei, Talaromyces cellulolyticus, and Penicellium funiculosum, and the simplest minimal enzyme systems comprising selected sets of mono-component enzymes tailor-made for specific lignocellulosic substrates. We provide a comprehensive update on studies in developing high-performance cellulases for biorefineries.

Microwave Hydrothermal Carbonization of Rice Straw: Optimization of Process Parameters and Upgrading of Chemical, Fuel, Structural and Thermal Properties

The process parameters of microwave-induced hydrothermal carbonization (MIHTC) play an important role on the hydrothermal chars (hydrochar) yield. The effect of reaction temperature, reaction time, particle size and biomass to water ratio was optimized for hydrochar yield by modeling using the central composite design (CCD). Further, the rice straw and hydrochar at optimum conditions have been characterized for energy, chemical, structural and thermal properties. The optimum condition for hydrochar synthesis was found to be at a 180 °C reaction temperature, a 20 min reaction time, a 1:15 weight per volume (w/v) biomass to water ratio and a 3 mm particle size, yielding 57.9% of hydrochar. The higher heating value (HHV), carbon content and fixed carbon values increased from 12.3 MJ/kg, 37.19% and 14.37% for rice straw to 17.6 MJ/kg, 48.8% and 35.4% for hydrochar. The porosity, crystallinity and thermal stability of the hydrochar were improved remarkably compared to rice straw after MIHTC. Two characteristic peaks from XRD were observed at 2θ of 15° and 26°, whereas DTG peaks were observed at 50⁻150 °C and 300⁻350 °C for both the materials. Based on the results, it can be suggested that the hydrochar could be potentially used for adsorption, carbon sequestration, energy and agriculture applications.

A screening approach for assessing lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase activity in fungal strains

BACKGROUND

Efforts to develop efficient lignocellulose-degrading enzymatic preparations have led to the relatively recent discovery of a new class of novel cellulase boosters, termed lytic polysaccharide monoxygenases (LPMOs). These enzymes are copper-dependent metalloenzymes that initiate the biomass deconstruction process and subsequently work together with cellulases, hemicellulases, and other accessory enzymes to enhance their hydrolytic action. Given their wide distribution and diversity, screening and isolation of potent LPMOs from natural fungal diversity may provide an important avenue for increasing the efficiency of cellulases and thereby decreasing cellulosic ethanol production costs. However, methods for quick screening and detection are still not widely available. In this article, a simple and sensitive method is described by combining nonhydrolytic activity enhancement followed by LC-MS-based quantitation of LPMOs.

RESULTS

In this study, a screening approach has been developed for the detection of nonhydrolytic cellulase-enhancing enzymes in crude fungal supernatants. With the application of a saturating benchmark cocktail of Celluclast 1.5L, fungal isolates were selected which had the capability of hydrolyzing pretreated rice straw by their synergistic enzyme fractions. Subsequently, these fungal extracts along with an LPMO-enriched commercial enzyme were investigated for their ability to produce Type I LPMO activity. An LC-MS-based methodology was applied to quantitate gluconic acid in enzymatic hydrolysates as an indirect measurement of Type I LPMO activity.

CONCLUSION

The present study describes an LC-MS-based separation method to detect and quantitate LPMO activity in a commercial enzyme. This method was also applied to screen fungal extracts. The developed screening strategy has enabled detection of LPMO activity in two industrially important Penicillium strains.

Upgradation of chemical, fuel, thermal, and structural properties of rice husk through microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization

The process parameters of microwave hydrothermal carbonization (MHTC) have significant effect on yield of hydrochar. This study discusses the effect of process parameters on hydrochar yield produced from MHTC of rice husk. Results revealed that, over the ranges tested, a lower temperature, lower reaction time, lower biomass to water ratio, and higher particle size produce more hydrochar. Maximum hydrochar yield of 62.8% was obtained at 1000 W, 220 °C, and 5 min. The higher heating value (HHV) was improved significantly from 6.80 MJ/kg of rice husk to 16.10 MJ/kg of hydrochar. Elemental analysis results showed that the carbon content increased and oxygen content decreased in hydrochar from 25.9 to 47.2% and 68.5 to 47.0%, respectively, improving the energy and combustion properties. SEM analysis exhibited modification in structure of rice husk and improvement in porosity after MHTC, which was further confirmed from BET surface analysis. The BET surface area increased from 25.0656 m²/g (rice husk) to 92.6832 m²/g (hydrochar). Thermal stability of hydrochar was improved from 340 °C for rice husk to 370 °C for hydrochar.

Diversity of cultivable fungal endophytes in Paullinia cupana (Mart.) Ducke and bioactivity of their secondary metabolites

Paullinia cupana is associated with a diverse community of pathogenic and endophytic microorganisms. We isolated and identified endophytic fungal communities from the roots and seeds of P. cupana genotypes susceptible and tolerant to anthracnose that grow in two sites of the Brazilian Amazonia forest. We assessed the antibacterial, antitumor and genotoxic activity in vitro of compounds isolated from the strains Trichoderma asperellum (1BDA) and Diaporthe phaseolorum (8S). In concert, we identified eight fungal species not previously reported as endophytes; some fungal species capable of inhibiting pathogen growth; and the production of antibiotics and compounds with bacteriostatic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both susceptible and multiresistant host strains. The plant genotype, geographic location and specially the organ influenced the composition of P. cupana endophytic fungal community. Together, our findings identify important functional roles of endophytic species found within the microbiome of P. cupana. This hypothesis requires experimental validation to propose management of this microbiome with the objective of promoting plant growth and protection.

Xylanase and feruloyl esterase from actinomycetes cultures could enhance sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis in the production of fermentable sugars

The addition of enzymes that are capable of degrading hemicellulose has a potential to reduce the need for commercial enzymes during biomass hydrolysis in the production of fermentable sugars. In this study, a high xylanase producing actinomycete strain (Kitasatospora sp. ID06-480) and the first ethyl ferulate producing actinomycete strain (Nonomuraea sp. ID06-094) were selected from 797 rare actinomycetes, respectively, which were isolated in Indonesia. The addition (30%, v/v) of a crude enzyme supernatant from the selected strains in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis with low-level loading (1 FPU/g-biomass) of Cellic® CTec2 enhanced both the released amount of glucose and reducing sugars. When the reaction with Ctec2 was combined with crude enzymes containing either xylanase or feruloyl esterase, high conversion yield of glucose from cellulose at 60.5% could be achieved after 72 h-saccharification.

Additives enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

Linked to the development of cellulolytic enzyme cocktails from Myceliophthora thermophila, we studied the effect of different additives on the enzymatic hydrolysis yield. The hydrolysis of pretreated corn stover (PCS), sugar cane straw (PSCS) and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) was performed under industrial conditions using high solid loadings, limited mixing, and low enzyme dosages. The addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG4000) allowed to increase the glucose yields by 10%, 7.5%, and 32%, respectively in the three materials. PEG4000 did not have significant effect on the stability of the main individual enzymes but increased beta-glucosidase and endoglucanase activity by 20% and 60% respectively. Moreover, the presence of PEG4000 accelerated cellulase-catalyzed hydrolysis reducing up to 25% the liquefaction time. However, a preliminary economical assessment concludes that even with these improvements, a lower contribution of PEG4000 to the 2G bioethanol production costs would be needed to reach commercial feasibility.

Differential β-glucosidase expression as a function of carbon source availability in Talaromyces amestolkiae: a genomic and proteomic approach

BACKGROUND

Genomic and proteomic analysis are potent tools for metabolic characterization of microorganisms. Although cellulose usually triggers cellulase production in cellulolytic fungi, the secretion of the different enzymes involved in polymer conversion is subjected to different factors, depending on growth conditions. These enzymes are key factors in biomass exploitation for second generation bioethanol production. Although highly effective commercial cocktails are available, they are usually deficient for β-glucosidase activity, and genera like Penicillium and Talaromyces are being explored for its production.

RESULTS

This article presents the description of Talaromyces amestolkiae as a cellulase-producer fungus that secretes high levels of β-glucosidase. β-1,4-endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase activities were quantified in the presence of different carbon sources. Although the two first activities were only induced with cellulosic substrates, β-glucosidase levels were similar in all carbon sources tested. Sequencing and analysis of the genome of this fungus revealed multiple genes encoding β-glucosidases. Extracellular proteome analysis showed different induction patterns. In all conditions assayed, glycosyl hydrolases were the most abundant proteins in the supernatants, albeit the ratio of the diverse enzymes from this family depended on the carbon source. At least two different β-glucosidases have been identified in this work: one is induced by cellulose and the other one is carbon source-independent. The crudes induced by Avicel and glucose were independently used as supplements for saccharification of slurry from acid-catalyzed steam-exploded wheat straw, obtaining the highest yields of fermentable glucose using crudes induced by cellulose.

CONCLUSIONS

The genome of T. amestolkiae contains several genes encoding β-glucosidases and the fungus secretes high levels of this activity, regardless of the carbon source availability, although its production is repressed by glucose. Two main different β-glucosidases have been identified from proteomic shotgun analysis. One of them is produced under different carbon sources, while the other is induced in cellulosic substrates and is a good supplement to Celluclast in saccharification of pretreated wheat straw.

A novel, highly efficient β-glucosidase with a cellulose-binding domain: characterization and properties of native and recombinant proteins

BACKGROUND

Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on earth, is an alternative for fossil fuels as a renewable feedstock for the production of second-generation biofuels and other chemicals. The discovery of novel, highly efficient β-glucosidases remains as one of the major bottlenecks for cellulose degradation. In this context, the ascomycete Talaromyces amestolkiae, isolated from cereal samples, has been studied as a promising source for these enzymes.

RESULTS

BGL-2 is the major β-glucosidase secreted by this fungus in the presence of cellulosic inductors. This enzyme possesses a CBD (Cellulose Binding Domain), an unusual feature among this type of proteins. Besides, when growing on cellulose, the fungus produced two different bgl-2 mRNAs that were cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. A complete recombinant protein (BGL-2*) and its truncated form, lacking CBD (BGL-2T*), have been purified, characterized and compared with the native enzyme (BGL-2). The three BGL-2 forms studied are highly stable in a wide pH range, but BGL-2T* showed an improved thermal stability at 50 °C after 72 h. Using p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside as a substrate, the steady-state kinetic characterization of the three proteins showed a similar K_m and k_cat for BGL-2 and BGL-2*, while the truncated protein displayed a threefold higher value for k_cat . All tested BGL-2 enzymes were as well highly efficient using cellobiose and other short oligosaccharides as a substrate. In view of biotechnological applications, the recombinant T. amestolkiae enzymes in saccharification of brewers' spent grain were studied, being comparable to commercial β-glucosidase cocktails.

CONCLUSION

A new β-glucosidase from T. amestolkiae has been studied. The enzyme, containing a functional CBD, has been expressed in P. pastoris. The comparative analyses of the native protein and its recombinant forms, with and without CBD, suggest that they could be suitable tools for valorization of lignocellulosic biomass.

Agave atrovirens fibers as substrate and support for solid-state fermentation for cellulase production by Trichoderma asperellum

Many efforts have been made to produce cellulase with better features and conditions, and filamentous fungi have played an important role in the bioprocess, growing in liquid and solid cultures with sugarcane bagasse, corn stover and others lignocellulosic materials. In the present study, Agave atrovirens fibers were partially characterized, thermal pretreated and used as support, substrate and inducer source for cellulolytic complex production by four strains of the genus Trichoderma, where T. asperellum was selected as the best option for this process after evaluating the enzyme activity and the invasion capacity on the pretreated Agave fibers. Fungi were able to grow on the Agave fibers secreting the complex cellulolytic enzyme. Results show Agave fibers as a good carbon source and support for T. asperellum for the production of the cellulolytic complex (endoglucanase 12,860.8 U/g; exoglucanase 3144.4 U/g; and β-glucosidase 384.4 U/g). These results show the promising potential this material could have in the production of the active enzyme cellulase complex.

Cellulases by Penicillium sp. in different culture conditions

The high cost of cellulolytic enzymes used in the ethanol production process has led to a growing interest in situ production. The evaluation of the influence of several factors in the fungus Penicillium sp. cellulase production using pretreated sugarcane bagasse is very interesting. Penicillium sp. cellulase production by using filter paper as cellulosic substrate and the use of glucose, sucrose and lactose like co-substrates was assessed. In the experiments using filter paper as a cellulosic substrate, the highest FPase enzyme activity obtained was 280 FPU.L-1 using sucrose as co-substrate. Subsequently, the study of pretreated sugarcane bagasse was conducted using Plackett-Burman experimental design with analysis of 6 factors influencing the process. The highest FPase activity was 615.1 FPU.L-1. The factors influencing FPase and β- glucosidase activity were the use of molasses and the solid loading. The successful use of molasses as co-substrate opens perspectives for future researches.

Proteomics Insights into the Biomass Hydrolysis Potentials of a Hypercellulolytic Fungus Penicillium funiculosum

The quest for cheaper and better enzymes needed for the efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass has placed filamentous fungi in the limelight for bioprospecting research. In our search for efficient biomass degraders, we identified a strain of Penicillium funiculosum whose secretome demonstrates high saccharification capabilities. Our probe into the secretome of the fungus through qualitative and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry based proteomics studies revealed a high abundance of inducible CAZymes and several nonhydrolytic accessory proteins. The preferential association of these proteins and the attending differential biomass hydrolysis gives an insight into their interactions and clues about possible roles of novel hydrolytic and nonhydrolytic proteins in the synergistic deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. Our study thus provides the first comprehensive insight into the repertoire of proteins present in a high-performing secretome of a hypercellulolytic Penicillium funiculosum, their relative abundance in the secretome, and the interaction dynamics of the various protein groups in the secretome. The gleanings from the stoichiometry of these interactions hold a prospect as templates in the design of cost-effective synthetic cocktails for the optimal hydrolysis of biomass.

Analysis of a Modern Hybrid and an Ancient Sugarcane Implicates a Complex Interplay of Factors in Affecting Recalcitrance to Cellulosic Ethanol Production

Abundant evidence exists to support a role for lignin as an important element in biomass recalcitrance. However, several independent studies have also shown that factors apart from lignin are also relevant and overall, the relative importance of different recalcitrance traits remains in dispute. In this study we used two genetically distant sugarcane genotypes, and performed a correlational study with the variation in anatomical parameters, cell wall composition, and recalcitrance factors between these genotypes. In addition we also tracked alterations in these characteristics in internodes at different stages of development. Significant differences in the development of the culm between the genotypes were associated with clear differential distributions of lignin content and composition that were not correlated with saccharification and fermentation yield. Given the strong influence of the environment on lignin content and composition, we hypothesized that sampling within a single plant could allow us to more easily interpret recalcitrance and changes in lignin biosynthesis than analysing variations between different genotypes with extensive changes in plant morphology and culm anatomy. The syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio was higher in the oldest internode of the modern genotype, but S/G ratio was not correlated with enzymatic hydrolysis yield nor fermentation efficiency. Curiously we observed a strong positive correlation between ferulate ester level and cellulose conversion efficiency. Together, these data support the hypothesis that biomass enzymatic hydrolysis recalcitrance is governed by a quantitative heritage rather than a single trait.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse using high total solids and low enzyme loadings

Hydrolysis of phosphoric acid-impregnated steam-treated sugarcane bagasse was pre-optimized using a face-centered central composite design in which the process variables were the substrate total solids (TS, %), agitation intensity (AI, rpm) and enzyme loading (EL, gg(-1)). Pretreatment was carried out at 180°C for 10min using cane bagasse with 50wt% moisture content containing 9.5mg of H3PO4 per gram of dry biomass. Hydrolyses were performed for 96h at 50°C using Cellic CTec2® and water-washed steam-treated substrates. The highest amount of fermentable sugars was obtained with 20wt% TS, producing 76.8gL(-1) of glucose equivalents, which corresponded to a total glucan conversion of 69.2wt% and to a theoretical net increase of 39% in ethanol production from the same sugarcane tonnage without considering the use of leaves, tops and the additional yields from C5 sugars.

Production of cellulolytic enzymes and application of crude enzymatic extract for saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass

In this study, the optimal conditions for production of cellulolytic enzymes by Trichoderma reesei NRRL-6156 using the solid-state fermentation were assessed in conical flasks and validated in a packed-bed bioreactor. Afterwards, the crude enzymatic extract obtained in the optimized condition was used for hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse in water and ultrasound baths. The enzyme activities determined in this work were filter paper, exocellulase, endocellulase, and xylanase. The optimized condition for production was moisture content 68.6 wt% and soybean bran concentration 0.9 wt%. The crude enzymatic extract was applied for hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, being obtained 224.0 and 229 g kg(-1) at temperature of 43.4 °C and concentration of enzymatic extract of 18.6 % in water and ultrasound baths, respectively. The yields obtained are comparable to commercial enzymes.

Enzymatic saccharification of cassava residues and glucose inhibitory kinetics on β-glucosidase from Hypocrea orientalis

Cassava residues are byproducts of the starch industry containing abundant cellulose for bioproduction of green fuel. To obtain maximum sugar yields from cassava residues, the optimal conditions for hydrolyzing the residues were determined using cellulase prepared from a novel Hypocrea orientalis strain. The optimal pH value and optimal temperature for the cellulase hydrolysis were 5.0 and 50 °C, respectively. The concentration of NaOH was determined to be 1% for pretreatment of cassava residues to gain enough soluble sugars suitably. The yield of released sugars was 10 mg/mL in the optimal conditions after 24 h of reaction, which was similar to that of bagasse and wheat grass. Inhibition kinetics of H. orientalis β-glucosidase (BG) by glucose was first studied using the progress-of-substrate-reaction method as described by Tsou (Tsou, C. L. Adv. Enzymol. Related Areas Mol. Biol. 1988, 61, 381-436), and the microscopic inhibition rate constants of glucose were determined. The results showed that glucose could inhibit BG reversibly and competitively. The rate constants of forward (k(+0)) and reverse (k(-0)) reaction were measured to be 4.88 × 10(-4) (mM·s)(-1) and 2.7 × 10(-4) s(-1), respectively. Meanwhile, the inhibition was more significant than that of L-glucose, D-mannose, D-galactose, D-aminoglucose, acetyl-D-glucose, and D-fructose. This work reveals how to increase sugar yields and reduce product inhibition during enzymatic saccharification of cellulose.

Efficient open fermentative production of polymer-grade L-lactate from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by thermotolerant Bacillus sp. strain P38

Lactic acid is one of the top 30 potential building-block chemicals from biomass, of which the most extensive use is in the polymerization of lactic acid to poly-lactic-acid (PLA). To reduce the cost of PLA, the search for cheap raw materials and low-cost process for lactic acid production is highly desired. In this study, the final titer of produced L-lactic acid reached a concentration of 185 g·L⁻¹ with a volumetric productivity of 1.93 g·L⁻¹·h⁻¹ by using sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate as the sole carbon source simultaneously with cottonseed meal as cheap nitrogen sources under the open fed-batch fermentation process. Furthermore, a lactic acid yield of 0.99 g per g of total reducing sugars was obtained, which is very close to the theoretical value (1.0 g g⁻¹). No D-isomer of lactic acid was detected in the broth, and thereafter resulted in an optical purity of 100%, which exceeds the requirement of lactate polymerization process. To our knowledge, this is the best performance of fermentation on polymer-grade L-lactic acid production totally using lignocellulosic sources. The high levels of optically pure l-lactic acid produced, combined with the ease of handling and low costs associated with the open fermentation strategy, indicated the thermotolerant Bacillus sp. P38 could be an excellent candidate strain with great industrial potential for polymer-grade L-lactic acid production from various cellulosic biomasses.