An Efficient Method for Qualitative Screening of Ligninolytic Enzyme Potential of Ganoderma lucidum

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the potential screening of different strains of white rot fungi Ganoderma lucidum to produce different ligninolytic enzymes which play an important role in transformation and mineralization of various organic pollutants, production of commercially valuable biobased products delignify paper, animal feed and biofuel production. The qualitative screening is a crucial step in isolation and selection of potential lignolytic fungi. Four strains of Ganoderma lucidum, a well-known medicinal fungus, were used to quantify the qualitative screening process for their ligninolytic activities by using different concentrations of three chromogenic indicators viz., ABTS, guaiacol and RBBR. Among the three tested indicators, 0.08 % ABTS concentration gave better visual expressions for ligninolytic activities of the fungal strains, followed by 0.075 % guaiacol. GL-1 and GL-2 strains were found to be hyper-ligninolytic strains with higher potency index values and higher tolerance capabilities towards the chromogenic indicator compounds; whereas GL-3 and GL-4 strains were grouped as hypo-ligninolytic strains due to their low potency index values. These strains with higher ligninolytic activities can be considered as potential candidates for development of an efficient biological system for the treatment of textile industry wastewaters and bioremediation of polluted ecosystems.