Manganese Peroxidase production by Bjerkandera sp. BOS55

The use of ligninolytic enzymes in biotechnological applications requires a highly effective production system, with sufficient amounts of the enzymes to be applied in experimental research and herein after at large-scale operations. To reach this final goal, we propose scale-up of ligninolytic production of one of the most well-known enzymes, Manganese Peroxidase (MnP), by Bjerkandera sp. BOS55. Taking into account previous results obtained in shaken flask cultures, MnP production was attempted in stirred fermenters of 2, 10 and 50 l, with levels of activity comparable to those obtained at a lower scale. Additionally, environmental factors as agitation rate, fungus immobilisation and use of buffer were evaluated to maximise MnP production. A fed-batch strategy was proved to reactivate MnP production and to maintain MnP activity for a longer period of time. Operational parameters, such as pH and Redox potential, monitored along the fermentation were found to be useful indicators of MnP production. These variables experimented drastic changes at the MnP peak production, signalling the right moment to collect the enzyme.     

Effect of carbon and nitrogen limitation on lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidaseproduction by Phanerochaete flavido-alba

The ligninolytic enzymes lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese dependent peroxidase(MnP), were detected in extracellular fluids of Phanerochaete flavido-alba FPL 106507cultures under carbon or nitrogen limitation. MnP activities were found to be higher than LiPactivities under all growth conditions tested. Higher titres of both peroxidases were obtainedunder carbon limitation in excess nitrogen. Isoelectric points (pIs) observed after FPLC and IEFof concentrated extracellular fluids revealed more acidic pIs for LiP enzymes obtained innitrogen-limited cultures than those in carbon-limited cultures. However, the change in thelimiting growth factor does not significantly affect MnP pIs.     

Production of the ligninolytic enzymes by immobilized <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis> in an air atmosphere

Summary The production of the ligninolytic enzymes by Phanerochaete chrysosporium immobilized on polyurethane foam cubes in air was investigated by adopting different sizes and amounts of the carriers, different medium C/N ratios and different glucose-feeding strategies. No lignin peroxidase (LiP) activity was observed under nitrogen limitation (C/N ratio, expressed as glucose/NH₄⁺, 56/2.2 mM) with two sizes and three amounts of the carriers, while comparable levels of manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities were detected only in non-immersed cultures with two sizes of the carriers. A non-immersed state also stimulated LiP formation under carbon limitation (C/N ratio 28/44 mM). High peak activities of LiP, 197 and 164 U/l, were obtained in non-immersed cultures under carbon limitation at the C/N ratios of 28/44 and 56/44 mM, respectively, the occurrence of the activities coinciding with the complete consumption of glucose. A very low level of MnP was measured at the C/N ratio of 28/44 mM compared with the similar activities at 56/2.2 and 56/44 mM. An addition of 2 g glucose/l after its complete depletion improved both the production of LiP and MnP markedly in non-immersed culture at the initial C/N ratio of 28/44 mM, whereas a replenishment of 5 g/l, still enhancing the formation of MnP, inhibited the production of LiP first before the later reactivation. It is suggested that non-immersed liquid culture under carbon limitation reinforced by a suitable glucose feeding strategy is one potential way to realize high production of the ligninolytic enzymes by P. chrysosporium in air.     

The Effect of Fungal Morphology on Ligninolytic Enzyme Production by a Recently Isolated Wood-Degrading Fungus Trichophyton Rubrum LSK-27

The morphology and ligninolytic enzyme production of a recently isolated wood-degrading fungus Trichophyton rubrum LSK-27 was investigated. In submerged cultures, the organism appeared to be an efficient manganese peroxidase (MnP) producer. When grown in baffled and unbaffled shake flasks with three different working volume/total volume ratios (WV/TV 10, 25 and 50%), the organism displayed notable morphological differences, with variations in pellet shape and size. Cultivation in baffled flasks with 25% WV/TV resulted in higher MnP and also laccase production as well as an earlier appearance of these enzymes in culture broth. However, oxygen limitation conditions inhibited MnP and laccase production and resulted in considerable changes in the morphology of this fungus.     

Manganese peroxidase production in submerged cultures by free and immobilized mycelia of Nematoloma frowardii

The agaric basidiomycete Nematoloma frowardii has been suggested as a good alternative for production of the extracellular ligninolytic enzyme, manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP). Some cultural and environmental factors influencing the enzymatic activity in shaken flasks and aerated fermenter cultures were evaluated to improve the yields of the process. A low nitrogen medium (1.36 mM N added as ammonium tartrate), containing 16 g/l glucose (C/N ratio=65.3), 2mM Mn2+ and inoculated with immobilized polyurethane foam mycelium, made it possible to obtain a MnP yield of 2304 nkat/l in 8 days. Under these operational conditions, the enzyme productivity in the immobilized cells of N. frowardii was 1.4 times higher than that obtained with the free fungus. In the procedure with the reusable immobilized mycelium (semi-continuous culture) as many as three subsequent 10 day batches could be fermented by using the same carrier with no loss of MnP activity.     

Ligninolytic enzyme production and the ability of decolourisation of Poly R-478 in packed-bed bioreactors by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The production of ligninolytic enzymes by the fungus Phanerochaetechrysosporium BKM-F-1767 (ATCC 24725) in packed-bed tubular bioreactors, operating in semi-solid-state conditions, was studied. Three types of carriers were assayed: cubes of polyurethane foam, cubes of nylon sponge and chopped corncob, in order to determine the more suitable one to produce ligninolytic enzymes by this fungus. The cultivations were carried out in discontinuous and in continuous mode. For discontinuous cultivation, maximum individual manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) activities of 1593, 1371 and 346 U/l were achieved in the bioreactors filled with cubes of nylon sponge, cubes of polyurethane foam and with corncob, respectively. On the other hand, lignin peroxidase (LiP) activities about 100 U/l were found in the two former and around 200 U/l in the latter. Moreover, laccase, was detected in all cultures, with average values of 30 U/l. Nonetheless, continuous mode cultivation led to lower ligninolytic enzyme activities than those produced in discontinuous, except in the case of the corncob. Furthermore, the decolourisation of the dye Poly R-478 by the above-mentioned cultures was investigated. The percentage of biological decolourisation reached was about 70% in the bioreactor filled with cubes of nylon sponge whereas it was rather low in the others (around 30%).     

Production of laccase, manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase by Brazilian marine-derived fungi

Marine-derived fungi are a potential for the search of new compounds with relevant features. Among these, the ligninolytic enzymes have potential applications in a large number of fields, including the environmental and industrial sectors. This is the work aimed to evaluate the enzymatic activities of three marine-derived fungi (Aspergillus sclerotiorum CBMAI 849, Cladosporium cladosporioides CBMAI 857 and Mucor racemosus CBMAI 847) under different carbon sources and salinity conditions by using statistical experimental design. MnP, LiP and laccase were detected when these fungi were cultured in malt extract, however when grown on basal medium containing glucose and wheat bran LiP was not detected and yet an increase in MnP and laccase was observed. Statistical analysis through surface responses was performed and results showed high values of MnP and laccase activities under 12.5% and 23% (w/v) salinity, highlighting the potential use of these fungi for industrial applications and in bioremediation of contaminated sites having high salt concentrations. The highest values for LiP (75376.34 UI L⁻¹), MnP (4484.30 IU L⁻¹) and laccase (898.15 UI L⁻¹) were obtained with the fungus M. racemosus CBMAI 847 and it is the first report concerning ligninolytic enzymes production by a zygomycete from this genus.     

Color removal ability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis> in relation to lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase produced in molasses wastewater

Decolorization of molasses wastewater (MWW) from an ethanolic fermentation plant by Phanerochaete chrysosporium was studied. By diluting MWW properly (10%v/v) and incubating it with an appropriate concentration of the spores (2.5 × 10⁶/ml), extensive decolorization occurred (75%) on day 5 of the incubation. The colour removal ability was found to be correlated to the activity of ligninolytic enzyme system: lignin peroxidase (LiP) activity was 185 U/l while manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity equaled 25 U/l. Effects of some selected operating variables were studied: manganese(II), veratryl alcohol (VA), glucose as a carbon source and urea and ammonium nitrate, each as a source of nitrogen. Results showed that the colour reduction and LiP activity were highest (76% and 186 U/l, respectively) either when no Mn(II) was added or added at the lowest level tested (0.16 mg/l to provide 0.3 mg/l). Activity of MnP was highest (25 U/l) when Mn(II) added to the diluted MWW at the highest level (100 ppm) while activity of LiP was lowest (7.1 U/l) at this level of added Mn(II). The colour reduction in the presence of the added VA was shown to be little less than in its absence (70 vs. 75%). When urea as an organic source of nitrogen for the fungus, was added to the MWW, the decolorizing activity of P. chrysosporium decreased significantly (15 vs. 75%) and no activities were detected for LiP and MnP. Use of ammonium nitrate as an inorganic source of nitrogen did not show such a decelerating effects, although no improvements in the metabolic behavior of the fungus (i.e., LiP and MnP activities) deaccelerating was observed. Effects of addition of glucose was also discussed.     

Selenium Induces Manganese-dependent Peroxidase Production by the White-Rot Fungus Bjerkandera adusta (Willdenow) P. Karsten

In this study, selenium (Se) induction of the ligninolytic enzyme manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) production, and the effects on the oxidative state in the white-rot fungus Bjerkandera adusta (Willdenow) P. Karsten were demonstrated. Low concentration of Se (0.5 mM) caused up to a twofold increase in MnP production (0.81 +/- 0.05 U/ml) when compared to control (0.39 +/- 0.07 U/ml), whereas higher concentrations of Se (200 mM) inhibited (0.03 +/- 0.01 U/ml) MnP production. Addition of high concentration of Se also caused up to a twofold increase in lipid peroxidation levels. These results demonstrate for the first time that Se may induce or reduce MnP production and lipid peroxidation levels which play a significant role in lignin degradation by white-rot fungi.     

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.     

Degradation of the herbicide bentazon as related to enzyme production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in two solid substrate fermentation systems

Enzyme production and degradation of the herbicide bentazon by Phanerochaete chrysosporium growing on straw (solid substrate fermentation, SSF) and the effect of nitrogen and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) were studied using a small bioreactor and batch cultures. The best degradation of bentazon was obtained in the low nitrogen treatments, indicating participation of the ligninolytic system of the fungus. The treatments that degraded bentazon also had manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity, which seemed to be necessary for degradation. Pure MnP (with Mn(II) and H₂O₂) did not oxidize bentazon. However, in the presence of MnP, Mn(II) and Tween 80, bentazon was slowly oxidized in a H₂O₂-independent reaction. Bentazon was a substrate of pure lignin peroxidase (LiP) and was oxidized significantly faster (22,000–29,000 times) as compared to the MnP-Tween 80 system. Although LiP was a better enzyme for bentazon oxidation in vitro, its role in the SSF systems remains unclear since it was detected only in treatments with high nitrogen and high HRT where no degradation of bentazon occurred. Inhibition of LiP activity may be due to phenols and extractives present in the straw.     

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) Biodegradation in Liquid and Solid-State Matrices by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Extensive biodegradation of hexahydro-1,3,5 -trinitro-1,3,5 -triazine (RDX) by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium in liquid and solid matrices was observed. Some degradation in liquid occurred under nonligninolytic conditions, but was approximately 10 times higher under ligninolytic conditions. Moreover, elimination was accounted for almost completely as carbon dioxide. No RDX metabolites were detected. The degradation rates in liquid appeared to be limited to RDX concentration in solution (approximately 80 mg/L), but degradation rates in soil were nonsaturable to 250 mg/kg. Manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) and cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from P. chrysosporium, but not lignin peroxidase, were able to degrade RDX. MnP degradation of RDX required addition of manganese, but CDH degraded RDX anaerobically without addition of mediators. Attempts to improve biodegradation by supplementing cultures with micronutrients showed that addition of manganese and oxalate stimulated degradation rates in liquid, sawdust, and sand by the fungus, but not in loam soil. RDX degradation by P. chrysosporium in sawdust and sand was better than observed in liquid. However, degradation in solid matrices by the fungus only began after a lag period of 2 to 3 weeks, during which time extractable metabolites from wood were degraded.     

Effect of nutrient nitrogen and manganese on manganese peroxidase and laccase production by Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes

Abstract Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes , strain LS4, produces manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) and laccase, but not lignin peroxidase, when grown on a defined medium with glucose as sole carbon source. MnP production is suppressed by nitrogen whereas highest levels of laccase were observed when the fungus was grown under high nitrogen (26 mM) conditions. Both the titre and time of appearance of MnP were affected by the concentration of Mn in the culture medium with highest enzyme levels recorded in cultures supplemented with 1.1 ppm Mn. Purified MnP from L. edodes LS4 has an apparent M _r of 59000 and a p I of 5.6, and differs in several respects from a MnP isolated from L. edodes grown on a commercial wood substrate.     

Irpex lacteus, a white rot fungus applicable to water and soil bioremediation

Growth parameters, ligninolytic enzyme activities and ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by the fungus Irpex lacteus were characterized and compared with those of other white rot fungi capable of rapid decolorization of poly R-478 and Remazol Brilliant Blue R dyes. I. lacteus was able to grow on mineral and complex media and efficiently colonized sterile and non-sterile soil by exploratory mycelium growing from a wheat straw inoculum. In shallow stationary cultures growing on high nitrogen mineral medium containing 45 mM ammonium as nitrogen source, the fungus produced lignin peroxidase (LIP), Mn-dependent peroxidase (MnP) and laccase simultaneously, the respective maximal activities of 70, 970 and 36 U/l being attained around day 18. Growing in nitrogen-limited medium (2.4 mM ammonium), no LIP was formed and levels of MnP and laccase decreased significantly. During growth in sterile soil, the fungus synthesized LIP and laccase but not MnP. I. lacteus efficiently removed three- and four-ringed PAHs from liquid media and artificially spiked soil. The variety of ligninolytic enzymes, robust growth, capability of soil colonization and resistance to inhibitory action of soil bacteria make I. lacteus a suitable fungal organism for use in bioremediation. Received: 30 March 2000 / Accepted: 19 May 2000     

Degradation of phenanthrene by the endophytic fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratobasidum stevensii</Emphasis> found in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bischofia polycarpa</Emphasis>

Some strains of white rot fungi, non-lignolytic fungi and litter-decomposing basidiomycetes have been recognized as PAH degraders. The purpose of our research was to enlarge the scope of PAH-degrading fungi and explore the huge endophytic microorganism resource for bioremediation of PAHs. In this study, phenanthrene was used as a model PAHs compound. Nine strains of endophytic fungi isolated from four kinds of plant from Eupharbiaceae were screened for degradation of phenanthrene. The endophytic fungus Ceratobasidum stevensii (strain B6) isolated from Bischofia polycarpam showed high degradation efficiency and was selected for further studies. Into the fungal culture, 100 mg l⁻¹ phenanthrene was added, and after 10 days of incubation, about 89.51% of the phenanthrene was removed by strain B6. Extracellular ligninolytic enzyme activities of strain B6 were tested. The results showed that manganese peroxidase [MnP] was the predominant ligninolytic enzyme and that its production was greatly induced by the presence of phenanthrene. To confirm the involvement of MnP in phenanthrene degradation, promotion and inhibition studies on MnP in different concentration level of Mn²⁺ and NaN₃ were performed. Additionally, fungal mycelium-free and resuspended experiments were carried out. The results showed no apparent correlation between MnP activity and phenanthrene degradation. The mycelium and fresh medium were the crucial factors affecting the degradation of phenanthrene. To date, this is the first report on PAH degradation by Ceratobasidum stevensii. This study suggests that endophytic fungi might be a novel and important resource for microorganisms that have PAH-degrading capabilities.     

Use of Pleurotus dryinus for lignocellulolytic enzymes production in submerged fermentation of mandarin peels and tree leaves

It has been shown that the wood-rotting mushroom Pleurotus dryinus IBB 903 is able to effectively produce cellulases, xylanase, laccase, and manganese peroxidase in submerged fermentation of mandarin peels and tree leaves. Gradual increasing of lignocellulosic substrates concentration from 1 to 4–6% enhanced enzyme accumulation in culture liquid. A simple and inexpensive medium containing mandarin peels and yeast extract as sole carbon and nitrogen sources allowed simultaneous production of high levels of both hydrolases and oxidases by P. dryinus IBB 903. Supplementation of this medium by copper and manganese caused earlier and faster accumulation of laccase and manganese peroxidase increasing their yield by 1.5 and 7.5 times, respectively. In addition, by adding manganese to the medium it is possible to regulate the ratio of laccase and MnP in enzyme preparation. The presence of lignocellulosic substrate is the requisite for MnP production by P. dryinus IBB 903 since there was no production of MnP when mushroom has been cultivated in the synthetic medium with different carbon source. Among carbon source tested only utilization of glucose resulted to 21-fold increase of fungus laccase specific activity compared to control medium without carbon source. Carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase appeared to be inducible enzymes.     

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.     

Production of manganese peroxidase and laccase in laboratory-scale bioreactors by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The production of ligninolytic enzymes by the fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F-1767 (ATCC 24725) in laboratory-scale bioreactors was studied. One bioreactor was filled with cubes of polyurethane foam and the other with cubes of nylon sponge, in order to determine the more suitable carrier to produce high ligninolytic enzyme activities by this fungus. Both cultivations were carried out in batch. Manganese-dependent peroxidase activities about 600 U l^у were achieved in the bioreactor filled with cubes of nylon sponge, while up to 500 U l^у were detected in that filled with cubes of polyurethane foam. Furthermore, quite high levels of laccase appeared in both cultures: maximum activities of 114 U l^у and 62 U l^у were obtained on nylon and polyurethane supports, respectively.     

Manganese Peroxidase-Dependent Oxidation of Glyoxylic and Oxalic Acids Synthesized by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora Produces Extracellular Hydrogen Peroxide

The ligninolytic system of the basidiomycete Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is composed of manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase. In this work, the source of extracellular hydrogen peroxide required for MnP activity was investigated. Our attention was focused on the possibility that hydrogen peroxide might be generated by MnP itself through the oxidation of organic acids secreted by the fungus. Both oxalate and glyoxylate were found in the extracellular fluid of C. subvermispora cultures grown in chemically defined media, where MnP is also secreted. The in vivo oxidation of oxalate was measured; ¹⁴CO₂ evolution was monitored after addition of exogenous [¹⁴C]oxalate to cultures at constant specific activity. In standard cultures, evolution of CO₂ from oxalate was maximal at day 6, although the MnP titers were highest at day 12, the oxalate concentration was maximal (2.5 mM) at day 10, and the glyoxylate concentration was maximal (0.24 mM) at day 5. However, in cultures containing low nitrogen levels, in which the pH is more stable, a better correlation between MnP titers and mineralization of oxalate was observed. Both MnP activity and oxidation of [¹⁴C]oxalate were negligible in cultures lacking Mn(II). In vitro assays confirmed that Mn(II)-dependent oxidation of [¹⁴C]oxalate by MnP occurs and that this reaction is stimulated by glyoxylate at the concentrations found in cultures. In addition, both organic acids supported phenol red oxidation by MnP without added hydrogen peroxide, and glyoxylate was more reactive than oxalate in this reaction. Based on these results, a model is proposed for the extracellular production of hydrogen peroxide by C. subvermispora.