Trichoderma atroviride 102C1 Mutant: A High Endoxylanase Producer for Assisting Lignocellulosic Material Degradation

Abstract

Endoxylanases have played an important role in many industrial processes as bleachers to kraft pulp, animal feeds and baked goods. Also, nowadays, a special attention has been devoted to the role of these enzymes in saccharification of lignocellulose biomass for biofuels production. Trichoderma species are among fungi those that have been most extensively studied, due to their efficient production of these enzymes. Among the different strategies for improving the production and biochemical aspects of enzymes of commercial interest, mutations induced using chemical agents and/or physical devices can be cited. In the present strain T. atroviride 102C1 was obtained by using UV light and nitrosoguanidine as mutagenic agents. A factorial design (central composite rotational design, CCRD) was performed to estimate the optimal levels of C (sugarcane bagasse) and N (corn steep liquor) sources for best xylanase production. After the CCRD, the 102C1 mutant strain showed increased activity of 340% for xylanase production when compared to the wild type. The enzyme was partially characterized according to its pH and temperature profile, also using CCRD. The characterization of 102C1 mutant strain as a high endoxylanase producer allows its use in biotechnological applications, particularly in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass for biorefinary proposes.