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Solid-State Fermentation of Chestnut Shells and Effect of Explanatory Variables in Predictive Saccharification Models
Paula A Pinto1, Rui M F Bezerra1,2, Irene Fraga1,2
1CITAB-Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, UTAD-Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Summary
Chestnut shells (CNS) fermentation by white-rot fungi significantly boosts saccharification yield. Trametes strains showed the highest increase in reducing sugars, highlighting the potential of fungal enzymes like laccase and xylanase.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Chestnut shells (CNS) are a low-value agro-industrial waste.
- Valorization of CNS through biological processes is crucial for sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of solid-state fermentation (SSF) using white-rot fungi on the saccharification of CNS.
- To identify key fungal enzymes involved in enhancing CNS hydrolysis.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state fermentation of CNS with six white-rot fungal strains.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of fermented and non-fermented CNS using a commercial enzyme mix.
- Analysis of saccharification yield and reducing sugar production.
- Statistical modeling to determine the influence of lignocellulolytic activities (laccase, xylanase) on saccharification.
Main Results:
- CNS fermented with Trametes strains yielded significantly higher saccharification (approx. 253 mg g−1), a 25% increase in reducing sugars compared to controls.
- Multiple linear regression confirmed a highly significant positive effect (p < 0.0001) of fungal laccase and xylanase activities on reducing sugar production.
- Fermentation effectively enhanced the substrate's susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
- Solid-state fermentation with specific white-rot fungi, particularly Trametes strains, is an effective strategy for enhancing chestnut shell saccharification.
- Laccase and xylanase activities are critical drivers of improved CNS hydrolysis, demonstrating their potential in biorefining applications.
