Improvement of the basidiomycete Coprinus sp

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Bioremediation

Background:

• Coprinus sp. C-1, isolated from uranium mines, exhibits radiation resistance but sensitivity to tris(2-chloroethyl)amine.
• Cellulose degradation is crucial for biomass utilization and waste management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve Coprinus sp. C-1 for more efficient cellulose degradation in straw.
• To develop enhanced fungal strains for biotechnological applications.

Main Methods:

• Strain improvement through mutagenesis and selection.
• Exposure to UV and X radiation, and chemical mutagens like tris(2-chloroethyl)amine.
• Analysis of nitrogen compound synthesis, cellulose degradation rates, and essential amino acid content.

Main Results:

• Mutants synthesized up to 94% more nitrogen compounds compared to the original strain.
• Cellulose degradation rate increased by approximately 40% in the improved strains.
• Certain mutants showed an increase of up to 110% in essential amino acid content.

Conclusions:

• Strain improvement successfully enhanced the cellulose-degrading capabilities of Coprinus sp. C-1.
• The developed mutants offer potential for more effective bioremediation and biomass conversion processes.
• Increased nitrogen and essential amino acid synthesis in mutants indicates improved metabolic efficiency.