Minimal Enzymes Cocktail Development by Filamentous Fungi Consortia in Solid-State Cultivation and Valorization of Pineapple Crown Waste by Enzymatic Saccharification

Agroindustrial wastes is an interesting opportunity for enzymes production, reducing operational costs and strengthening the biorefineries concept. The conversion of lignocellulosic waste to fermentable sugars is current challenge for biorefineries industries. Enzyme cocktail used in delignification and saccharification platform are produced by a combinatory of several lignocellulolytic enzymes. The aim of this study was to develop filamentous fungi compatible-consortia isolated from pineapple wastes for cellulose-degrading enzymes production using pineapple crown waste in solid-state cultivation and its potential for saccharification of pineapple crown waste. Isolates were screened in agar-plate and in solid-state cultivation for cellulases, xylanase and pectinases productions. Six compatible consortia ofTrichodermastrains withAspergillus nigerorPleurotus ostreatuswere evaluated for SSC using pineapple crown. All consortia increased the enzymes production compared to monoculture. Consortia ofTrichoderma asperellumPEC-6 andP. ostreatusincreased 1.60-fold the xylanase and 1.42-fold the beta-glucosidase productions.T. asperellumPEC-17 andA. nigerincreased 1.16-fold endoglucanase and 1.28-fold pectinase. Saccharification of pineapple crown waste using enzyme cocktail produced by filamentous fungi consortia increased the total reducing sugar released in 12.50-13.93% compared to enzymes produced by monocultures. This study provides an alternative model to the cocktail enzyme production by mixed cultures development with lower cost of on-site enzyme manufacture by use of agroindustrial wastes eliminating an enzyme blended step. Moreover, the procedure used in this work can be potentially cost saving and environmentally friendly and should be explored on other bioenergy feedstocks and feed production.

Automated summary

The study focused on developing filamentous fungi consortia compatible with pineapple wastes for cellulose-degrading enzyme production, which could increase enzyme yield and enhance the saccharification process. The use of mixed cultures developed from agroindustrial wastes provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional enzyme production methods, showing potential for application in other bioenergy feedstocks.