Co-Culture of Trichoderma Reesei, Talaromyces Sp. and Aspergillus Spp. Produces A Multi-Enzyme Cocktail for the Hydrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse Pretreated with Piperonilic Acid (PIP) and Methylenedioxycinnamic Acid (MDCA)

Abstract

PURPOSE: The global energy matrix is primarily based on fossil fuels and alternatives for the production of renewable energy are necessary. The second-generation ethanol (2G ethanol) is such alternative. 2G ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugar released from the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. However, this process is still costly. Improvements should include the use of less expensive biomass pre-treatments and enzymatic cocktails produced by the co-cultivation of filamentous fungi. METHODS: For the production of synergistic holocellulolytic enzymes, Aspergillus brasiliensis , A. fumigatus var. niveus , Trichoderma reesei and Talaromyces sp. were co-cultivated on sugarcane bagasse modified in the lignin synthesis pathway. This bagasse was pretreated with piperonilic acid (PIP) and methylenedioxycinnamic acid (MDCA). RESULTS: The enzymatic cocktail produced by the co-culture showed the highest hydrolysis efficiency. The best hydrolysis condition was at 50°C and pH 4.0. Talaromyces sp. and T. reesei demonstrated antagonism only between them. CONCLUSION: Enzymatic cocktails produced through the co-cultivation of filamentous fungi are a concrete step towards increasing yields for the 2G ethanol industry.

The Role of Microbial Diversity in Lignocellulosic Biomass Degradation: A Biotechnological Perspective

“…A four-fungus cocktail of T. reesei, A. brasiliensis, A. fumigatus, and Talaromyces spp. gave efficient sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis at 50 °C, pH 4 [313].…”

Lignocellulolytic Biocatalysts: The Main Players Involved in Multiple Biotechnological Processes for Biomass Valorization

“…The optimization of lignocellulolytic enzyme production has already been obtained from different mixed cultures of T. reesei and A. niger using different substrates and conditions [ 335 , 338 , 339 , 340 ], in addition to T. reesei with other fungi, such as with A. fumigatus in sugarcane bagasse [ 341 ], with Monascus purpureus in wheat straw [ 342 ], and with Penicillium citrinum in wheat bran [ 334 ]. Silva et al [ 343 ] also obtained greater hydrolysis efficiency of sugarcane bagasse with an enzymatic cocktail produced from the mixed culture of T. reesei, A. brasiliensis , A. fumigatus , and Talaromyces spp., with temperature and optimum pH of 50 °C and 4, respectively.…”