Cellulase activity of a Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegl. strain grown in media containing Carboximetilcellulose or microcrystalline cellulose

ABSTRACT

Endoglucanase and exocellobiohydrolase produced b Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegl. strain thatt was cultivated in carboxymetilcellulose (CMC) or microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) liquid media. The concentration and type of cellulose influenced the enzyme activity and production. Extra-cellular cellobiase activity was not detected in CMC or Avicel media. This enzyme was detected in mycelial extracts only. With 1.7 percent Avicel liquid medium, the strain did not produce exocellobiohydrolase, but 74 æmol RBBR/mg protein/min was detected with 0.5 percent Avicel. The substitution of Avicel by 0.5 percent CMC reduced this activity. Endoglucanase also had maximum activity in 0.5 percent Avicel medium (approximately 820 UI/mg protein) after 96 h incubation. In supernatants from 0.5 percent CMC, the maximum activity attained was 200 UI/mg protein only