Exploring novel Penicillium lipolytic activity from the Paranaense rainforest

In this study, we evaluated the presence of lipases in twenty fungal strains of the genus Penicillium using an efficient and low-cost method with a view to an application in the treatment of cooking oil residues. The Paranaense rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, making it the most likely site to find new fungal strains with lipolytic potential. The objective of this study was to determine the lipolytic potential and the isoenzyme profile of fungi belonging to the Penicillium genus isolated from the Paranaense rainforest. Seven fungal strains were selected using qualitative screening. Quantitative analysis revealed that the isolate Penicillium sp. LBM 088 was the best producer of lipase, reaching 1224 U mL^-1 of lipolytic activity. Zymogram gels of the seven selected strains showed different enzymatic profiles: In general, the molecular mass of proteins varied from 26 to 42 kDa. Also, proteins from fungi grown on olive oil showed a higher variation in their molecular mass than proteins from fungi grown without the oil. The search for new lipase-secreting organisms should lead to the exploitation of biodiversity in the region.