Degradation of Softwood, Hardwood, and Grass Lignocelluloses by Two Streptomyces Strains

Abstract

Two Streptomyces strains, S. viridosporus T7A and S. setonii 75Vi2, were grown on softwood, hardwood and grass lignocelluloses and lignocellulose decomposition was followed by monitoring substrate weight loss, lignin loss and carbohydrate loss over time. Both Streptomyces strains substantially degraded the lignin and the carbohydrate components of each lignocellulose; these actinomycetes were more efficient decomposers of grass lignocelluloses than of hardwood or softwood lignocelluloses. In particular, these Streptomyces strains were more efficient decomposers of grasss lignins than of hardwood or softwood lignins.