Selection of Trichoderma Strain to Enhanced Cellulase-Poor Xylanase Production Using Sugarcane Bagasse as Sole Carbon Source under Light

Abstract

Species from fungal genus Trichoderma were found to produce culture broths rich in xylanase activity, an enzyme which plays an essential role for efficient and complete hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. This research aimed to enhance cellulase-poor xylanase production using a low-cost medium. Firstly, several native Trichoderma strains isolated from subtropical environments of Misiones (Argentina) were evaluated based on its xylanase producing potential. Among these, T. atroviride LBM 117 produced the highest cellulase-poor xylanase enzymes, 29 U mL-1 and 28 U mL1 in experiment with and without light, respectively, using sugarcane bagasse as a sole carbon source. Besides, when experiments were carried out with light, the highest xylanase production occurred in shorter incubation period than experiments without it. Xylanase activity was characterized in both supernatants showing the maximum xylanase activity at 50 °C and pH 4.8. Results of electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels showed two isoenzymes of 105 and 150 KDa in supernatants from experiment with light and only one isoenzyme of 105 KDa from experiment in darkness.