Submerged cultivation of scytalidium thermophilum on complex lignocellulosic biomass for endoglucanase production

Scytalidium thermophilum endoglucanase production was analyzed on lignocellulosic biomass in submerged cultures at 45°C and 155 rpm for 8 days. Endoglucanase, adsorbability of endoglucanase onto avicel, as well as exoglucanase, and filter paper activities were determined and compared with those on microcrystalline cellulose (avicel) as the main source of carbon. Lentil bran and sunflower seed bagasse yielded c. 1.5 fold more endoglucanase and avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase activity than avicel, and activities on grass clippings were similar. Grass clippings yielded the highest percentage of avicel-adsorbable endoglucanase among all lignocellulosic substrates tested. By the time when endoglucanase activities reached maximal levels, exoglucanase activities on lentil bran, sunflower seed bagasse and grass clippings were c. 1.5–3 fold lower than those on avicel, although a significant difference in filter paper activities was not observed. On lignocellulosic biomass, maximum levels of endoglucanase activity were reached within 3–4 days, and within 6–7 days on avicel.