Enzyme production by filamentous fungi

Scientists have used electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-LC MS/MS) to investigate if spent hydrolysates from bioethanolic fermentation could have other industrial uses.

In a study published by Microbial Cell Factories, the team from the Department of Chemistry at Umea University in Sweden sought to find out more about the enzyme production by filamentous fungi.

They claimed that the spent hydrolysates from bioethanolic fermentation processes have the potential to be an abundant and inexpensive source of the pentose sugars and acids needed as nutrients in industrial enzyme-producing microorganisms, specifically filamentous fungi.

Using ESI-LC MS-MS the scientists identified a considerable number of proteins related to the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass.

The main cellobiohydrolases (Cel7A/Cel6A) were the most abundant cellulolytic enzymes and serve as potent inducers of xylanolytic enzymes.

Following the investigation, the team claimed that the study provides a catalogue of the prevalent proteins involved, as well as the components of spent hydrolysates, but claimed it still needs further research in the future.