BIODEGRADATION OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC SUBSTANCES AND PRODUCTION OF SUGARSAND LIGNIN DEGRADATION INTERMEDIATES BY 4 SELECTED MICROBIAL STRAINS

The relative ability of four microbial strains to grow on and degrade soft and hard lignocellulosic materials was examined. The most active strain was Phanerochaete chrysosporium NRRL 6361. The percentage weigh t loss was different for the three tested lignocellulosic samples (3.9 -51.9%). The fungi degraded more carbohydrates and less lignin in suga rcane bagasse; on the other substrates both carbohydrate and lignin we re extensively degraded. All tested strains released significant amoun ts of low molecular weight intermediates and reducing sugars, varying with the strain and the substrate. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.