Abstract The high cost of the enzymes used for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is one of the bottlenecks in the production of second-generation ethanol and the use of local biomass, such elephant grass, can help to reduce this cost. In this investigation elephant grass biomass was evaluated as a carbon and inducer source of production of cellulases and xylanases by the fungus Penicillium echinulatum strain 9A02S1 in solid-state cultivation. The highest filter paper activity (13.26 U.g-1 dry matter) and β-glucosidase activity (138.34 U.g-1 dry matter) were obtained on the fifth day of cultivation, in medium containing biomass pre-treated with sulfuric acid and untreated, respectively. The highest endoglucanase activity was 158.44 U.g-1 dry matter in the presence of elephant grass pre-treated with sulfuric acid. The xylanase activity was highest with medium that was formulated with 75% untreated elephant grass and 25% wheat bran (372.62 U.g-1 dry matter). In conclusion, the results showed that it is possible to obtain large amounts of cellulases and xylanases using a cosmopolitan and very low cost substrate such as elephant grass.

Abstract Fodder radish (FR) is an oilseed crop with a high potential for biodiesel production due to its high productivity and the quality of its seed oil. FR oil extraction results in a residue that is rich in protein and fiber. In this study, FR cake (FRC) was evaluated as carbon and nitrogen source for the production of cellulases and xylanases using Penicillium echinulatum S1M29 during solid-state cultivation. It was determined that it is possible to partially replace wheat bran (WB) by FRC, resulting in 24.22 ± 0.25U/g Filter Paper Activity (144 hours), 210.5 ± 5.8U/g endoglucanase activity (144 hours), 22.62 ± 0.01U/g (-glucosidase activity (96 hours) and 784.7 ± 70.19U/g xylanase activity (120 hours). These values are equal or higher than the enzymatic activity obtained using WB. These results may contribute to the reduction of the cost of enzymes used in the production of cellulosic ethanol or other biotechnological applications.

Abstract Penicillium echinulatum S1M29 is a mutant with cellulase and xylanase production comparable to the most studied microorganisms in the literature. However, its potential to produce these enzymes has not been fully investigated. This study aimed at optimizing salt and urea concentrations in the mineral solution, employing the response surface methodology. A 25-1 Fractional Factorial Design and a 23 Central Composite Design were applied to elucidate the effect of salts and urea in enzyme production. Lower concentrations of KH2PO4 (2.0 g.L-1), (NH4)2SO4 (1.4 g.L-1), MgSO4.7H2O (0.375 g.L-1) and CaCl2 (0.375 g.L-1) were most suitable for the production of all enzymes evaluated. Nevertheless, higher concentrations of urea (0.525 g.L-1) gave the best results for cellulase and xylanase production. The maximum FPase (1,5 U.m.L-1), endoglucanase (7,2 U.m.L-1), xylanase (30,5 U.m.L-1) and β-glucosidase (4,0 U.m.L-1) activities obtained with the planned medium were, respectively, 87, 16, 17 and 21% higher when compared to standard medium. The experimental design contributed to adjust the concentrations of minerals and urea of the culture media for cellulase and xylanase production by P. echinulatum, avoiding waste of components in the medium.

Laccase enzymes are now commercially available, and a laccase/mediator combination is currently marketed for indigo dye bleaching in textile manufacturing; replacing traditional chemical-based processes with enzymatic technology reduces the need for effluent treatment. However, an inexpensive source of these enzymes will be needed to enable wider application of this technology. In the present work, the main objective was to increase laccase production by the mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju strain PS-2001 grown on sucrose derived from sugar cane, one of most economical carbon sources known, by the addition of compounds that are known to affect laccase production. High laccase activities (45-62 U mL-1) were obtained with additions of syringaldazine, benzoic acid, gallic acid, and vanillin. When CuSO4 was used in conjunction with these aromatic compounds, the levels of laccase activity were further improved, reaching 58-80 U mL-1. These laccase activities indicate the potential of this strain as an enzyme producer, which has also been detected in media containing glucose, but with activity lower than that observed with sucrose.