Use of Nutshells Wastes in the Production of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes by White-Rot Fungi

Abstract

Agricultural wastes are an environmental and economic problem that countries must strive to solve as soon as possible. White-rot fungi can take advantage of these wastes through an efficient process involving the bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials. Therefore, this work has used pine needles (Pinus pseudostrobus) and nutshells (Carya illinoinensis), relevant wastes in Mexico, as substrates for growing three fungal strains (Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus) on PDA plates supplemented with these materials. Besides, the capacity to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes by these three fungi through solid-state fermentation has been evaluated using pine needles and nutshells along with barley straw. The relevant results suggest that nutshells are a potential substrate for growing G. lucidum (mycelial growth rate of 0.758 cm d -1 ). Albeit pine needles waste has allowed G. lucidum growth (0.402 cm d -1 ), L. edodes and P. ostreatus growth on PDA supplemented plates were not observed. Further to this, nutshells or pine needles combined with barley straw were used as substrates through solid-state fermentation to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, and laccase). G. lucidum presented the highest cellulase productivity (3.03 ± 0.34 IU/gdm·d) using nutshells and barley straw (BS_NS) as substrates, while HIGHLIGHTS• Nutshells and pine needles are potential substrates for solid-state fermentation.• G. lucidum was able to use nutshells and pine need as substrates for growing.• G. lucidum produced the highest yield of lignocellulolytic enzymes.• L. edodes and P. ostreatus produce cellulases and xylanases less efficiently that G. lucidum. G. lucidum presented the highest cellulase. Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus • Insert a highlight no longer than 85 characters.• G. lucidum can grow efficiently on nutshells or pine needles-PDA plates.•