Isolation and evaluation of tannin-degrading fungal strains from the Mexican desert

Eleven fungal strains (4 Penicillium commune, 2 Aspergillus niger, 2 Aspergillus rugulosa, Aspergillus terricola, Aspergillus ornatus and Aspergillus fumigatus) were isolated, characterized morphologically and by their capacity to degrade tannins. Aspergillus niger Aa-20 was used as control strain. Several concentrations of hydrolysable tannin (tannic acid) were used as sole carbon source. All strains were able to degrade hydrolysable tannins. Aspergillus niger GH1 and PSH showed the highest tannin-degrading capacity (67 and 70%, respectively). Also, the fungal capacity to degrade condensed tannin (catechin) was tested. Aspergillus niger PSH and Penicillium commune EH2 degraded 79.33% and 76.35% of catechin. The results demonstrated the capacity of fungi to use hydrolysable and condensed tannins as carbon source.