[Biodegradation of Cellulose-Containing Substrates by Micromycetes Followed by Bioconversion into Biogas]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Micromycetes like Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus terreus possess cellulolytic capabilities.
• Cellulose-rich substrates such as office paper and cardboard are readily hydrolyzed by these fungi.
• Optimizing fungal cultivation and biomass pretreatment is crucial for efficient bioconversion.

Purpose:

• To investigate the efficacy of Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus terreus in decomposing cellulose-containing substrates.
• To optimize conditions for micromycete cultivation and biomass pretreatment for enhanced biogas production.
• To evaluate the impact of pretreatment on biogas yield from lignocellulosic materials.

Summary:

• Trichoderma viride exhibited 2-3 times higher cellulolytic activity than Aspergillus terreus, with optimal activity on office paper (0.80 U/mL) and paper mixture (0.73 U/mL).
• Optimized cultivation conditions and biomass pretreatment significantly improved biogas production efficiency from lignocellulosic materials.
• Pretreatment of Jerusalem artichoke phytomass resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in biogas yield when using bovine animal manure microbial communities.

Impact:

• This research provides insights into utilizing waste paper and plant biomass for sustainable biogas generation.
• The findings contribute to the development of efficient biotechnological processes for lignocellulosic waste valorization.
• Optimized pretreatment methods can enhance the economic viability of biogas production from agricultural residues.