LIGNIN BIODEGRADATION BY THE ASCOMYCETE CHRYSONILIA-SITOPHILA

The lignin biodegradation process has an important role in the carbon cycle of the biosphere. The study of this natural process has develope d mainly with the use of basidiomycetes in laboratory investigations. This has been a logical approach since most of the microorganisms invo lved in lignocellulosic degradation belong to this class of fungi. How ever, other microorganisms such as ascomycetes and also some bacteria, are involved in the lignin decaying process. This work focuses on lig nin biodegradation by a microorganism belonging to the ascomycete clas s, Chrysonilia sitophila. Lignin peroxidase production and characteriz ation, mechanisms of lignin degradation (lignin model compounds and li gnin in wood matrix) and biosynthesis of veratryl alcohol are outstand ing. Applications of C. sitophila for effluent treatment, wood biodegr adation and single-cell protein production are also discussed.