Efficient enzymatic saccharification of alkaline and ionic liquid-pretreated bamboo by highly active extremozymes produced by the co-culture of two halophilic fungi

Herein, we studied two strains of halophilic fungi (Aspergillus fiavus and Aspergillus penicillioides) as potential potent sources of hydrolases under solid-state fermentation conditions. We found that the co-culture of these two fungal species was associated with maximal CMCase, FPase, xylanase, and p-xylosidase activity under optimized fermentation conditions. These enzymes functioned optimally at pH values from 9.0 to 10.0, at temperatures from 50 degrees C to 60 degrees C, and in the presence of 15-20% NaCl. These enzymes were also stable in metal salt solutions and the presence of ionic liquids. Reducing sugar yields following the cellulase-hemicellulase co-treatment of untreated, alkaline-pretreated, and ionic liquid-pretreated bamboo were higher than those associated with separate cellulase and hemicellulase treatments, thus confirming the synergistic activity of cellulase-hemicellulase co-treatment in the context of bamboo saccharification. These results indicate that these two fungi are promising hydrolase producers that can facilitate the bioconversion of bamboo biomass.

Automated summary

In this study, two strains of halophilic fungi were investigated as potential sources of hydrolases under solid-state fermentation conditions. Co-cultivating these fungi resulted in maximum activity of CMCase, FPase, xylanase, and p-xylosidase enzymes under optimized conditions. These enzymes showed optimal function at alkaline pH, high temperatures, and in the presence of high salt concentrations.