Cellulase and β-glucosidase production by a basidiomycete species

Abstract

The optimization of cellulase and .beta.-glucosidase production by a basidiomycete species was studied and cellulase and cellobiase production by this and Trichoderma viride (and its mutants) in shake flasks were compared. The former produced an active cellulase comparable to that of T. viride when tested on filter paper, carboxymethylcellulose and cotton; however, it produced 20-26 times larger amounts of cellobiase. Both cellulase and .beta.-glucosidase were obtained in good yield only when cellulose was the C source. The production of these enzymes was not repressed by readily assimilated C sources in the presence of cellulose. Only traces of cellulase and .beta.-glucosidase were formed on glucose, fructose, maltose and cellobiose although good growth was obtained on these substrates. These enzymes were not induced on sophorose, lactose, mannitol, or glycerol and growth was poor on these substrates. Cellobiose octaacetate was a less effective inducer of cellulase and .beta.-glucosidase than was cellulose.