Degradation of bamboo-shoot shell powder by a fungal consortium: Changes in chemical composition and physical structure

Co-culturing microorganism to degrade lignocellulose has been adapted by various researchers globally. The decomposition of bamboo-shoot shell powder (BSSP) by a two-fungus (Pleurotus ostreatus and Aspergillus niger) together was examined. During the degradation, there was a rise in the activities of enzymes carboxymethylcellulase (catalyzing cellulose degradation by the hydrolysis of β-1, 4 glycosidic bonds in cellulosic materials) and laccase (phenol oxidase catalyzing lignin degradation) responsible for metabolism of lignocellulosic material resulting into decrease in acid detergent fiber and lignin contents of BSPP. In addition, the physical properties of the shell fiber were changed from smooth and flexible to rough and crisp. The products of the decomposing fiber were complex, and most of them contained methyl or ethyl groups. The fungi decomposed native silicon compounds simultaneously during biodegradation. The net result of decomposition was a decrease in biomass as well as production of carboxymethylcellulase and laccase, two biotechnologically relevant extracellular enzymes with multiple industrial uses.