Enzymatic characterization of Chilean native wood-rotting fungi for potential use in the bioremediation of polluted environments with chlorophenols

This work presents a preliminary report of a series of studies on the ability of several indigenous wood-rotting fungi from Chile to produce hydrolytic and ligninolytic enzymes and the evaluation of these native microorganism to future research on potential applications in bioremediation programs. Wood-rotting Basidiomycete fungi were collected from indigenous hardwood forest in the South of Chile. Twenty-eight strains were identified and qualitative enzymatic tests for peroxidases, laccase, tyrosinase, xylanase and cellulase production were performed in solid medium. Eleven selected strains were evaluated in liquid medium to quantify their ligninolytic enzyme production and their capacity to grow in solid medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCF), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCF) and pentachlorophenol (PCP). PCP degradation and ligninolytic enzymes production were also evaluated in liquid medium. Results showed that laccase was present in 28 of the selected strains (≈73%). Peroxidase was present in 40% and cellulase in 37% of the strains. Xilanase and tyrosinase were obtained in a smaller percentage in the strains (28% and 7%, respectively). The 11 selected strains showed high concentrations of lignin peroxidase (Lip) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). Anthracophyllum discolor (Sp4), produced LiP and MnP at 90.3 and MnP 125.5 U L⁻¹ respectively, compared to the control fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium CECT-2798 that produced 58.1 and 118.4 U L⁻¹ of LiP and MnP. Tolerance test showed that native Chilean fungi did not present high tolerance to 2,4,6-TCF and PCP but were quite tolerant to 25 and 50 mg L⁻¹ of 2,4-DCF. However, pre-acclimatization in 2,4-DCP notably improved the growth in medium with 2,4,6-TCP and PCP. PCP in liquid medium was efficiently degraded by the fungi Anthracophyllum discolor, Lenzites betulina (Ru-30) and Galerina patagónica (Sp3), and the major MnP activity was produced by A. discolor (Sp4) (67 U L⁻¹).     

Potential of ligninolytic enzymatic complex produced by white‐rot fungi from genus Trametes isolated from Bulgarian forest soil

Because of the crucial role of ligninolytic enzymes in a variety of industrial processes, the demand for a new effective producer has been constantly increasing. Furthermore, information on enzyme synthesis by autochthonous fungal strains is very seldom found. Two fungal strains producing ligninolytic enzymes were isolated from Bulgarian forest soil. They were identified as being Trametes trogii and T. hirsuta. These two strains were assessed for their enzyme activities, laccase (Lac), lignin peroxidase (LiP) and Mn‐dependent peroxidase (MnP) in culture filtrate depending on the temperature and the type of nutrient medium. T. trogii was selected as the better producer of ligninolytic enzymes. The production process was further improved by optimizing a number of parameters such as incubation time, type of cultivation, volume ratio of medium/air, inoculum size and the addition of inducers. The maximum activities of enzymes synthesized by T. trogii was detected as 11100 U/L for Lac, 2.5 U/L for LiP and 4.5 U/L for MnP after 14 days of incubation at 25°C under static conditions, volume ratio of medium/air 1:6, and 3 plugs as inoculum. Among the supplements tested, 5% glycerol increased Lac activity to a significant extent. The addition of 1% veratryl alcohol had a positive effect on MnP.     

Effect of soya lecithin on the enzymatic system of the white-rot fungi Anthracophyllum discolor

The present work optimized the initial pH of the medium and the incubation temperature for ligninolytic enzymes produced by the white-rot fungus Anthracophyllum discolor. Additionally, the effect of soya lecithin on mycelial growth and the production of ligninolytic enzymes in static batch cultures were evaluated. The critical micelle concentration of soya lecithin was also studied by conductivity. The effects of the initial pH (3, 4, and 5) and incubation temperature (20, 25, and 30°C) on different enzymatic activities revealed that the optimum conditions to maximize ligninolytic activity were 26°C and pH 5.5 for laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) and 30°C and pH 5.5 for manganese-independent peroxidase (MiP). Under these culture conditions, the maximum enzyme production was 10.16, 484.46, and 112.50 U L⁻¹ for laccase, MnP, and manganese-independent peroxidase MiP, respectively. During the study of the effect of soya lecithin on A. discolor, we found that the increase in soya lecithin concentration from 0 to 10 g L⁻¹ caused an increase in mycelial growth. On the other hand, in the presence of soya lecithin, A. discolor produced mainly MnP, which reached a maximum concentration of 30.64 ± 4.61 U L⁻¹ after 25 days of incubation with 1 g L⁻¹ of the surfactant. The other enzymes were produced but to a lesser extent. The enzymatic activity of A. discolor was decreased when Tween 80 was used as a surfactant. The critical micelle concentration of soya lecithin calculated in our study was 0.61 g L⁻¹.     

Production of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes employing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium solani</Emphasis> F-552

In this work, capability of Fusarium solani F-552 of producing lignocellulose-degrading enzymes in submerged fermentation was investigated. The enzyme cocktail includes hydrolases (cellulases, xylanases, and proteinases) as well as ligninolytic enzymes: manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP), lignin peroxidase (LiP), and laccase (Lac). To our knowledge, this is the first report on production of MnP, LiP, and Lac together by one F. solani strain. The enzyme productions were significantly influenced by application of either lignocellulosic material or chemical inducers into the fermentation medium. Among them, corn bran significantly enhanced especially productions of cellulases and xylanases (248 and 170 U/mL, respectively) as compared to control culture (11.7 and 29.2 U/mL, respectively). High MnP activity (9.43 U/mL, control 0.45 U/mL) was observed when (+)-catechin was applied into the medium, the yield of LiP was maximal (33.06 U/mL, control 2.69 U/mL) in gallic acid, and Lac was efficiently induced by, 2,2′-azino-bis-[3-ethyltiazoline-6-sulfonate] (6.74 U/mL, not detected in control). Finally, in order to maximize the ligninolytic enzymes yields, a novel strategy of introduction of mild oxidative stress conditions caused by hydrogen peroxide into the fermentation broth was tested. Hydrogen peroxide significantly increased activities of MnP, LiP, and Lac which may indicate that these enzymes could be partially involved in stress response against H₂O₂. The concentration of H₂O₂ and the time of the stress application were optimized; hence, when 10 mmol/L H₂O₂ was applied at the second and sixth day of cultivation, the MnP, LiP, and Lac yields reached 21.67, 77.42, and 12.04 U/mL, respectively.     

Concentration of fungal ligninolytic enzymes by ultrafiltration and their use in distillery effluent decolorization

Extracellular ligninolytic enzymes secreted by seven different fungi grown under solid-state fermentation using agro-residue as substrate were extracted through successive extractions. In general, most of the enzymes were recovered during first and second extractions. These extractants were then subjected to ultrafiltration using a 10 kDa membrane for further concentration. The permeates collected after every filtration and the final retentate were analyzed for protein and enzymes. In all the isolates, enzyme concentration was maximum in first retentate, which reduced significantly in second, third, and fourth retentate. Maximum per unit laccase (14.44 U g⁻¹) and MnP production (142.2 U g⁻¹) was observed in Fusarium verticillioides TERIDB16 while maximum LiP production (137.42 U g⁻¹) was in Alternaria gaisen TERIDB6. The retentate was further used for checking its decolorization efficiency of undiluted distillery effluent. The maximum decolorization (37%) was obtained using the enzyme extract of Pleurotus florida EM1303.     

Ligninolytic Enzymes of the White Rot Basidiomycete Trametes trogii

The white rot fungus Trametes trogii strain BAFC 463 produced laccase, manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase and cellobiose dehydrogenase, as well as two hydrogen peroxide‐producing activities: glucose oxidizing activity and glyoxal oxidase. In high‐N (40 mM N) cultures, the titres of laccase, MnP and GLOX were 27 (6.55 U/ml), 45 (403.00 mU/ml)and 8 (32,14 mU/ml) fold higher, respectively, than those measured in an N‐limited medium. This is consistent with the fact that the ligninolytic system of T. trogii is expressed constitutively. Lower activities of all the enzymes tested were recorded upon decreasing the initial pH of the medium from 6.5 to 4.5. Adding veratryl alcohol improved GLOX production, while laccase activity was stimulated by tryptophan. Supplying Tween 80 strongly reduced the activity of both MnP and GLOX, but increased laccase production. The titre of MnP was affected by the concentration of Mn in the culture medium, the highest levels were obtained with 90 μM Mn (II). LiP activity, as CDH activity, were detected only in the mediumsupplemented with sawdust. In this medium, laccase production reached a maximum of 4.75 U/ml, MnP 747.60 mU/ml and GLOX 117.11 mU/ml. LiP, MnP and GLOX activities were co‐induced, attaining their highest levels at the beginning of secondary metabolism, but while MnP, laccase, GLOX and CDH activities were also present in the primary growth phase, LiP activity appears to beidiophasic. The simultaneous presence of high ligninolytic and hydrogen peroxide producing activities in this fungus makes it an attractive microorganism for future biotechnological applications.     

An Evaluation of Soil Colonisation Potential of Selected Fungi and their Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes for Use in Soil Bioremediation Applications

Initially sixteen fungi were screened for potential ligninolytic activity using decolourisation of a polymeric dye Poly R-478. From this, four fungi were selected, Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Collybia sp., and an isolate (identified as Rhizoctonia solani) isolated from a grassland soil. Differences in the ligninolytic enzyme profiles of each of the fungi were observed. All of the four fungi tested produced MnP and laccase while the Collybia sp. and R. solani produced LiP in addition. Enzyme activity levels also varied greatly over the 21 days of testing with T. versicolor producing levels of MnP and laccase three to four times greater than the other fungi. The four fungi were then tested for their ability to colonise sand, peat (forest) and basalt and marl mixed till (field) soils through visual measurement and biomass detection in soil microcosms. Trametes versicolor and the Collybia sp. failed to grow in any of the non-sterilised soils whereas the R. solani and P. ostreatus isolates grew satisfactorily. Primers were␣designed to detect MnP and laccase genes in P.␣ostreatus and RTPCR was used to detect that these genes are expressed in forest and field soils.     

Parameter optimization for production of ligninolytic enzymes using agro-industrial wastes by response surface method

Lignin and manganese peroxidase (LiP, MnP) and laccase production by Phanerocheate chrysosporium was optimized by response surface methodology for brewery waste and apple pomace. The effect of moisture, copper sulphate, and veratryl alcohol (VA) concentrations on enzyme production was studied. Moisture and VA had significant positive effect on MnP and LiP production and the viability of P. chrysosporium (p < 0.05) and copper sulphate produced a negative effect. However, moisture and copper sulphate had a significant positive (p < 0.05) effect on laccase production, but VA had an insignificant positive effect (p < 0.05). Higher values of MnP, LiP and viability of P. chrysosporium on apple pomace (1287.5 U MnP/gds (units/gram dry substrate), 305 U LiP/gds, and 10.38 Log 10 viability) and brewery waste (792 U MnP/gds and 9.83 Log 10 viability) were obtained with 80% moisture, 3 mmol/kg VA, and 0.5 mmol/kg copper. LiP production in brewery waste (7.87 U/gds) was maximal at 70% moisture, 2 mmol/kg VA, and 1 mmol/kg copper. Higher production of laccase in apple pomace (789 U/gds) and brewery waste (841 U/gds) were obtained with 80% moisture, 3 mmol/kg VA, and 1.5 mmol/kg copper. Thus, moisture along with VA and copper sulphate was pertinent for the production of ligninolytic enzymes and increased cell viability.     

Use of cheese whey as a substrate to produce manganese peroxidase by Bjerkandera sp BOS55

Manganese peroxidase, MnP, is one of the major ligninolytic enzymes produced by a number of white-rot fungi. The ability of this enzyme to degrade lignin by the fungus Bjerkanderasp BOS55 has opened its application to related bioprocesses such as recalcitrant-compound degradation and effluent decolorization. The medium reported to induce MnP production is composed of chemical grade reagents, all with relatively high costs for application to detoxification purposes. The use of inexpensive sources for MnP production can bring its implementation closer. For this purpose, dairy residues from cheese processing were considered. MnP production obtained using crude whey as the sole substrate reached appreciable levels, around 190 U L⁻¹, values comparable to those found with synthetic media (between 175–250 U L⁻¹). Thus, this cheese-processing byproduct can be used as an inexpensive alternative for the large-scale production of MnP. Received 14 December 1998/ Accepted in revised form 29 April 1999     

Production,partial purification and characterization of ligninolytic enzymes from selected basidiomycetes mushroom fungi

In recent years, many research on the quantity of lignocellulosic waste have been developed. The production, partial purification, and characterisation of ligninolytic enzymes from various fungi are described in this work. On the 21st day of incubation in Potato Dextrose (PD) broth, Hypsizygus ulmarius developed the most laccase (14.83 × 10⁻⁶ IU/ml) and manganese peroxidase (24.11 × 10⁻⁶ IU/ml), while Pleurotus florida produced the most lignin peroxidase (19.56 × ⁻⁶ IU/ml). Laccase (Lac), lignin peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP), all generated by selected basidiomycetes mushroom fungi, were largely isolated using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by dialysis. Laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase purification findings indicated 1.83, 2.13, and 1.77 fold purity enhancements, respectively. Specific activity of purified laccase enzyme preparations ranged from 305.80 to 376.85 IU/mg, purified lignin peroxidase from 258.51 to 336.95 IU/mg, and purified manganese peroxidase from 253.45 to 529.34 IU/mg. H. ulmarius laccase (376.85 IU/mg) with 1.83 fold purification had the highest specific activity of all the ligninolytic enzymes studied, followed by 2.13 fold purification in lignin peroxidase (350.57 IU/mg) and manganese peroxidase (529.34 IU/mg) with 1.77-fold purification. Three notable bands with molecular weights ranging from 43 to 68 kDa and a single prominent band with a molecular weight of 97.4 kDa were identified on a Native PAGE gel from mycelial proteins of selected mushroom fungus. The SDS PAGE profiles of the mycelial proteins from the selected mushroom fungus were similar to the native PAGE. All three partially purified ligninolytic isozymes display three bands in native gel electrophoresis, with only one prominent band in enzyme activity staining. The 43 kDa, 55 kDa, and 68 kDa protein bands correspond to laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase, respectively.     

Manganese and malonate are individual regulators for the production of lignin and manganese peroxidase isozymes and in the degradation of lignin by Phlebia radiata

 The effects of high manganese [180 μM Mn(II)] concentration and addition of malonate (10 mM) were studied in nitrogen-limited cultures of the white-rot fungus, Phlebia radiata. High levels of manganese alone showed no systematic influence on the production of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) or laccase. In contrast, high-manganese containing cultures of P. radiata showed lower efficiency in the mineralization of ¹⁴C-ring-labelled synthetic lignin ([¹⁴C]DHP). The highest rates of mineralization, up to 30% in 18 days, were reached in low- manganese(2 μM)-containing cultures when malonate was omitted. Degradation of [¹⁴C]DHP was substantially restricted by the addition of malonate. The combination of high manganese and malonate resulted in increased levels of MnP and laccase production, whereas LiP production was repressed. Also, the profiles of expression of the MnP and LiP isozymes were affected. A new P. radiata MnP isozyme of pI 3.6 (MnP3) was found in the high-manganese cultures. Addition of malonate alone caused some repression but also stimulating effects on distinctive MnP and LiP isozymes. The results indicate that manganese and malonate are individual regulators of MnP and LiP expression and have different roles in the degradation of lignin by P. radiata. Received: 30 August 1995/Received revision: 10 January 1996/Accepted: 12 February 1996     

Effect of copper,nutrient nitrogen,and wood-supplement on the production of lignin-modifying enzymes by the white-rot fungus Phlebia radiata

Production of the oxidoreductive lignin-modifying enzymes – lignin and manganese peroxidases (MnPs), and laccase – of the white-rot basidiomycete Phlebia radiata was investigated in semi-solid cultures supplemented with milled grey alder or Norway spruce and charcoal. Concentrations of nutrient nitrogen and Cu-supplement varied also in the cultures. According to extracellular activities, production of both lignin peroxidase (LiP) and MnP was significantly promoted with wood as carbon source, with milled alder (MA) and low nitrogen (LN) resulting with the maximal LiP activities (550 nkat l⁻¹) and noticeable levels of MnP (3 μkat l⁻¹). Activities of LiP and MnP were also elevated on high nitrogen (HN) complex medium when supplemented with spruce and charcoal. Maximal laccase activities (22 and 29 μkat l⁻¹) were obtained in extra high nitrogen (eHN) containing defined and complex media supplemented with 1.5 mM Cu²⁺. However, the nitrogen source, either peptone or ammonium nitrate and asparagine, caused no stimulation on laccase production without Cu-supplement. This is also the first report to demonstrate a new, on high Cu²⁺ amended medium produced extracellular laccase of P. radiata with pI value of 4.9, thereby complementing our previous findings on gene expression, and cloning of a second laccase of this fungus.     

The selective visualization of lignin peroxidase,manganese peroxidase and laccase,produced by white rot fungi on solid media

A visual method for the selective screening of lignin degrading enzymes, produced by white rot fungi (WRF), was investigated by the addition of coloring additives to solid media. Of the additives used in the enzyme production media, guaiacol and RBBR could be used for the detection of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase. Syringaldazine and Acid Red 264 were able for the detection of both the MnP and laccase, and the LiP and laccase, respectively, and a combination of these two additives was able to detect each of the ligninases produced by the WRF on solid media.     

Enhanced ligninolytic enzyme production and degrading capability of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor

Ligninolytic enzyme production by the white-rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor precultivated with different insoluble lignocellulosic materials (grape seeds, barley bran and wood shavings) was investigated. Cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium precultivated with grape seeds and barley bran showed maximum lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) activities (1000 and 1232 U/l, respectively). Trametes versicolor precultivated with the same lignocellulosic residues showed the maximum laccase activity (around 250 U/l). For both fungi, the ligninolytic activities were about two-fold higher than those attained in the control cultures. In vitro decolorization of the polymeric dye Poly R-478 by the extracellular liquid obtained in the above-mentioned cultures was monitored in order to determine the respective capabilities of laccase, LiP and MnP. It is noteworthy that the degrading capability of LiP when P. chrysosporium was precultivated with barley bran gave a percentage of Poly R-478 decolorization of about 80% in 100 s, whereas control cultures showed a lower percentage, around 20%, after 2 min of the decolorization reaction.     

Fungal biodegradation and enzymatic modification of lignin

Lignin, the most abundant aromatic biopolymer on Earth, is extremely recalcitrant to degradation. By linking to both hemicellulose and cellulose, it creates a barrier to any solutions or enzymes and prevents the penetration of lignocellulolytic enzymes into the interior lignocellulosic structure. Some basidiomycetes white-rot fungi are able to degrade lignin efficiently using a combination of extracellular ligninolytic enzymes, organic acids, mediators and accessory enzymes. This review describes ligninolytic enzyme families produced by these fungi that are involved in wood decay processes, their molecular structures, biochemical properties and the mechanisms of action which render them attractive candidates in biotechnological applications. These enzymes include phenol oxidase (laccase) and heme peroxidases [lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and versatile peroxidase (VP)]. Accessory enzymes such as H₂O₂-generating oxidases and degradation mechanisms of plant cell-wall components in a non-enzymatic manner by production of free hydroxyl radicals (·OH) are also discussed.     

Rapid decolorization of azo dyes by crude manganese peroxidase from Schizophyllum sp. F17 in solid-state fermentation

The production of ligninolytic enzymes by the fungus Schizophyllum sp. F17 using a cost-effective medium comprised of agro-industrial residues in solid-state fermentation (SSF) was optimized. The maximum activities of the enzymes manganese peroxidase (MnP), laccase (Lac), and lignin peroxidases (LiP) were 1,200, 586, and 109 U/L, respectively, on day 5 of SSF. In vitro decolorization of three structurally different azo dyes by the extracellular enzymes was monitored to determine its decolorization capability. The results indicated that crude MnP, but not LiP and Lac, played a crucial role in the decolorization of azo dyes. After optimization of the dye decolorization system with crude MnP, the decolorization rates of Orange IV and Orange G, at an initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L, were enhanced to 76 and 57%, respectively, after 20 min of reaction at pH 4 and 35°C. However, only 8% decolorization of Congo red was observed. This enzymatic reaction system revealed a rapid decolorization of azo dyes with a low MnP activity of 24 U/L. Thus, this study could be the basis for the production and application of MnP on a larger scale using a low-cost substrate.     

Effect of growth substrate,method of fermentation,and nitrogen source on lignocellulose-degrading enzymes production by white-rot basidiomycetes

The exploration of seven physiologically different white rot fungi potential to produce cellulase, xylanase, laccase, and manganese peroxidase (MnP) showed that the enzyme yield and their ratio in enzyme preparations significantly depends on the fungus species, lignocellulosic growth substrate, and cultivation method. The fruit residues were appropriate growth substrates for the production of hydrolytic enzymes and laccase. The highest endoglucanase (111 U ml⁻¹) and xylanase (135 U ml⁻¹) activities were revealed in submerged fermentation (SF) of banana peels by Pycnoporus coccineus. In the same cultivation conditions Cerrena maxima accumulated the highest level of laccase activity (7,620 U l⁻¹). The lignified materials (wheat straw and tree leaves) appeared to be appropriate for the MnP secretion by majority basidiomycetes. With few exceptions, SF favored to hydrolases and laccase production by fungi tested whereas SSF was appropriate for the MnP accumulation. Thus, the Coriolopsis polyzona hydrolases activity increased more than threefold, while laccase yield increased 15-fold when tree leaves were undergone to SF instead SSF. The supplementation of nitrogen to the control medium seemed to have a negative effect on all enzyme production in SSF of wheat straw and tree leaves by Pleurotus ostreatus. In SF peptone and ammonium containing salts significantly increased C. polyzona and Trametes versicolor hydrolases and laccase yields. However, in most cases the supplementation of media with additional nitrogen lowered the fungi specific enzyme activities. Especially strong repression of T. versicolor MnP production was revealed.     

Optimization of manganese peroxidase and laccase production in the South American fungus<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Fomes sclerodermeus</Emphasis> (Lév.) Cke

Fomes sclerodermeus produces manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase as part of its ligninolytic system. A Doehlert experimental design was applied in order to find the optimum conditions for MnP and laccase production. The factors studied were Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺ and asparagine. The present model and data analysis allowed us not only to define optimal media for production of both laccase and MnP, but also to show the combined effects between the factors. MnP was strongly influenced by Mn²⁺, which acts as an inducer. Under these conditions Cu²⁺ negatively affected MnP activity. At 13 days of growth 0.75 U ml^–1 were produced in the optimized culture medium supplemented with 1 mM MnSO₄ and 4 g l^–1 asparagine. The laccase titer under optimized conditions reached maximum values at 16 days of growth: 13.5 U ml^–1 in the presence of 0.2 mM CuSO₄, 0.4 mM MnSO₄ and 6 g l^–1 asparagine. Mn²⁺ promoted production of both enzymes. There were important interactions among the nutrients evaluated, the most significant being those between Cu²⁺ and asparagine.     

Effect of copper ions on the ligninolytic enzyme complex and the antioxidant enzyme activity in the white-rot fungus Trametes trogii 46

White-rot fungi of the Phylum Basidiomycota are quite promising in ligninolytic enzyme production and the optimization of their synthesis is of particular significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of enhanced concentration of copper (Cu) ions (25–1000 μg/ml) on the activity of the ligninolytic enzyme complex (laccase, Lac; lignin peroxidase, LiP; Mn-peroxidase, MnP) in Trametes trogii 4₆, as well as the changes in the antioxidant cell response. All concentrations tested reduced significantly in growth and glucose consumption. Cu ions affected the ligninolytic enzyme activity in a dose dependent manner. Concentrations in the range of 25–100 μg/ml strongly stimulated Lac production (a 5–6-fold increase compared to the control). LiP activity was also induced by Cu, with the peak value being recorded following exposure to 50 μg/ml metal ions. In contrast, the addition of Cu ions had a positive effect on MnP activity at a concentration higher than 100 μg/ml. The maximum enzyme level was achieved at 1000 μg/ml. The results obtained on superoxide dismutase and catalase activities indicated that exposure of T. trogii 4₆ mycelia to Cu ions promoted oxidative stress. Both enzyme activities were co-ordinately produced with Lac and LiP but not co-ordinately with MnP.