Evaluation of lignin biodegradation by extracts of white-rot fungi

• Grant number: 08/06039-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2008
• End date: September 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Biochemistry of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Adriane Maria Ferreira Milagres
• Grantee: Marcio Andre de Lima Silveira
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This work's purpose is to evaluate a possible synergistic action in the lignin biodegradation of two different woods, Eucalyptus grandis (hard wood) and Pinus radiata (soft wood), through low molecular weight compounds and enzymes produced by three different white-rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, Lentinula edodes and Perenniporia medulla-panis. At first, the lignin will be extracted from wood by the dioxane method slightly adapted. The next phase of this study will be concerned on the growth of cultures of the three fungi in liquid media for the medium extracts achievement. The extracts with the maximum of enzymatic activity and iron reducing capability will be tasted in the biodegradation of lignin as such on the discoloration of three different dyes, RBBR, Poly R-4778 and Congo red. (AU)