Use of the Fungus Panus tigrinus in the Manufacture of Pressed Materials from Cotton Plant Waste

Changes in the chemical composition of cotton plant stems used as a substrate for solid-phase cultivation of the fungus Panus tigrinus were studied, as well as the effect of these changes on properties of pressed materials made of these stems. During the first 3 days of growth, the fungus better consumed cellulose; then, the rate of cellulose consumption was comparable with that of lignin. The intensity and pattern of these changes depended on the age of the inoculum. The rate of cotton plant waste biodegradation was higher when a 3-day-old inoculum was used. Pressed materials made of the raw material treated with a 3-day-old inoculum of P. tigrinus for 2–3 days displayed better characteristics.