Application Potential of Trichoderma in the Degradation of Phenolic Acid-Modified Chitosan

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the potential use of fungi of the genus Trichoderma for the degradation of phenolic acid-modified chitosan in compost. At the same time, the enzymatic activity in the compost was checked after the application of a preparation containing a suspension of the fungi Trichoderma (spores concentration 105/mL). The Trichoderma strains were characterized by high lipase and aminopeptidase activity, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanases. T. atroviride TN1 and T. citrinoviride TN3 metabolized the modified chitosan films best. Biodegradation of modified chitosan films by native microorganisms in the compost was significantly less effective than after the application of a formulation composed of Trichoderma TN1 and TN3. Bioaugmentation with a Trichoderma preparation had a significant effect on the activity of all enzymes in the compost. The highest oxygen consumption in the presence of chitosan with tannic acid film was found after the application of the consortium of these strains (861 mg O2/kg after 21 days of incubation). Similarly, chitosan with gallic acid and chitosan with ferulic acid were found after the application of the consortium of these strains (849 mgO2/kg and 725 mg O2/kg after 21 days of incubation). The use of the Trichoderma consortium significantly increased the chitinase activity. The application of Trichoderma also offers many possibilities in sustainable agriculture. Trichoderma can not only degrade chitosan films, but also protect plants against fungal pathogens by synthesizing chitinases and β-1,3 glucanases with antifungal properties.

Biodegradability Study of Modified Chitosan Films with Cinnamic Acid and Ellagic Acid in Soil

“…Our study has shown that only two of the fungi tested degraded the modified chitosan films. Our previous studies have also shown that not all fungi have the ability to degrade modified chitosan [ 16 ]. Trichoderma atroviride TN1 and Trichoderma citrinoviride TN3 best metabolized the chitosan films containing tannic acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid.…”

“…Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is a measure of the biodegradation of polymers in the natural environment [ 27 ]. The biodegradation of the chitosan films in the soil after the application of Trichoderma strains was determined using the OxiTop system [ 16 ], according to the modified procedure described previously. One hundred grams of soil was transferred to an OxiTop system jar, chitosan film fragments (2 cm × 2 cm) were added and inoculated with fungal spores (1 mL spores, 10 5 CFU/mL).…”

“…Previous studies and reports have indicated the role and mechanism of action of Trichoderma spp. in the degradation of multiple polymers, such as polycaprolactone, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactide and even chitosan-based films modified with tannic acid, ferulic acid and gallic acid [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, polymers with newer and more beneficial modifications are continuously being developed and need to be tested for biodegradation before their application.…”

“…This necessitates the consideration of newer technologies and better alternatives, like biodegradable polymers [4]. Recently, more emphasis has been given to the use of biopolymers in agriculture for Polymers 2024, 16, 574 2 of 12 seed coating. These function as stabilizing agents and protect seeds from biological and environmental stresses, enhancing the absorption of nutrients by plants and resulting in the promotion of plant growth and yield improvement [5].…”