Production and regulation of lignin degrading enzymes from Lentinus squarrosulus (mont.) Singer and Psathyrella atroumbonata Pegler

Abstract

The influence of metal ions on the production and regulation of ligninase and mycelia extension of two type Basidiomycetes (Lentinus squarrosulus and Psathyrella atroumbonata) cultivated on lignocellulose waste was investigated. Mn2+ and Ca2+ ions stimulated growth of both fungi and mycelia extension significantly. Ligninase production increased two to twelve fold under the influence of Mn2+ and Ca2+ ions at concentrations of 20 to 80 mM. Mg2+ and K+ ions did not stimulate growth and extension of fungal mycelia, rather fungal cultures became deactivated after six days. The importance of mycelia extension and enhanced enzyme production has biotechnological applications in wood and pulp, textile and tanning, as well as in oil industries.


Key words: Basidiomycetes, Lentinus squarrosulus, Psathyrella atroumbonata, ligninase, cofactors.


African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.2(11) 2003: 444-447