Lignin degradation by Coprinus comatus in corn stalk

Coprinus comatus is a kind of fungus, which reveal the degradation of lignocellulose. In the present study, the strain was optimum cultivated and lignin degradation in corn stalk was investigated. The changes of corn stalk were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), specific surface area measurement (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the strain got its degradation of lignin up to 38.66 %. The strain eroded structure of corn stalk and formed pores, which accelerated the degradation of lignin. Treated by Coprinus comatus increased the specific surface area and reduced the crystallinity of corn stalk. Meanwhile, small molecular substances found in the treated corn stalk matrix. These demonstrated the effectives of Coprinus comatus for corn stalk degradation. The potentials of Coprinus comatus in this field need further investigation.

Automated summary

In this study, Coprinus comatus was found to effectively degrade lignocellulose in corn stalk. Various analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area measurement, X-ray diffraction, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were conducted to characterize the changes in corn stalk. The results showed that Coprinus comatus achieved a lignin degradation rate of up to 38.66%. The fungus eroded the structure of the corn stalk, forming pores that accelerated lignin degradation. Treated corn stalk exhibited increased specific surface area, reduced crystallinity, and the presence of small molecular substances. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of Coprinus comatus for corn stalk degradation and suggest further investigation is needed to explore its potential in this field.