Straw degradation enhanced in Thermomyces lanuginosus by transferring AgCMCase from Aspergillus glaucus

Fungi play a crucial role in straw composting due to the synergistic degradation effects of their secreted lignocellulose hydrolases. An efficient straw-composting system relies on thermophilic fungi and their lignocellulose hydrolases. Thermomyces lanuginosus, a typical thermophilic fungus in compost, lacks cellulase genes. A versatile Thermomyces strain capable of degrading cellulose, T. lanuginosus M85, which grows at 67 °C, was developed and transformed using the AgCMCase of Aspergillus glaucus. The R6 transformant exhibited high-level expression of the AgCMCase. Significant quantities of active cellulase produced by R6 were detected in the cellulose fermentation broth, peaking within 6-8 days. Compost analysis indicated that R6 increased the internal compost temperatures and prolonged high-temperature durations. Correspondingly, more reducing sugars and humus were released, which could promote plants growth. In summary, a cellulase-producing strain of T. lanuginosus capable of efficiently converting straws into organic fertilizers was engineered. This innovation holds considerable promise for sustainable and circular agricultural practices.