The quantification of fungal biomass and cellulase activity of Thielavia terrestris.

Abstract

A range of thermophilic fungi were screened for their ability to produce an effective extracellular cellulase enzyme system. Thielavia terrestris 255B was shown to be a promising organism as it produced an efficient, thermostable cellulolytic enzyme complex. The quantification of fungal growth was also studied using different biomass estimating procedures. It was apparent that fungal biomass was not directly related to cellulase production and that the latter peaked after fungal growth was completed. Although crude thermophilic enzymes can operate effectively at elevated temperatures, their activities were found to be comparable to commercial mesophilic cellulases. However, as thermophilic cellulases are much more thermostable, their half-lives are considerably longer and the enzymes can be used for prolonged reaction periods. A comparison of standard assay methods and the cellulase complexes overall hydrolytic potential was made. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)