LIMITATIONS OF THE LIGNIN PEROXIDASE SYSTEM OF THE WHITE-ROT FUNGUS, PHANEROCHAETE-CHRYSOSPORIUM

The lignin peroxidase enzyme system of the white-rot fungus, Phaneroch aete chrysosporium, was assayed for its capacity to degrade two recalc itrant aliphatic ether compounds, high-molecular-mass polyethylene gly col (PEG 20000) and methyl tert-butyl ether. Ligninolytic cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium were spiked with each ether compound and i ncubated in reaction vessels. Separate incubations were conducted in w hich the ether compounds worn present as sole carbon source. Other par ameters, such as varying the methyl tert-butyl ether concentration and veratryl alcohol additions were tested. No significant degradation of either compound was observed under any of the conditions tested. Impl ications nf these results are discussed with respect to the oxidative limitations of the lignin peroxidase enzyme system and structural feat ures of substrate molecules that mag be requisite for oxidation by thi s system.