Lignolytic enzyme production by Coriolus versicolor MTCC 138 under submerged and solid state fermention using rice straw

Rice straw being an organic and renewable source is a potential substrate for biogas production through the action of hydrolytic, acetogenic and methanogenic bacteria. The lignolytic enzymes from fungal sources can be utilized for increasing biogas production from rice straw. The present study reports the production of lignolytic enzymes viz. laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase by Coriolus versicolor (L.) quel MTCC 138, a wood rooting basidiomycetous fungus, under submerged and solid state fermentation using rice straw as a substrate. A maximum of 540.4 Ug⁻¹, 1325.5 Ug⁻¹ and 1600.0 Ug⁻¹ of laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase, respectively, were produced during solid state fermentation (SSF), whereas in submerged fermentation (SMF) only 5.5 Uml⁻¹, 5.0 Uml⁻¹ and 30.0 Uml⁻¹ laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase, respectively, were produced. The results revealed that SSF was found to be better than SMF for lignolytic enzyme production with rice straw as the substrate as the enzyme activities of laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase were 10, 27 and 5 times higher, respectively, in case of SSF when compared with SMF. the solid state fermentation by C. versicolor has the potential to enhance rice straw digestibility and biogas production.