Advances in the production of fungi-derived lignocellulolytic enzymes using agricultural wastes

Abstract

Lignocellulolytic enzymes play an important role in various industrial applications as well as the sustainable valorisation of lignocellulosic materials. Enzyme production using lignocellulosic fungi has shown great advantages such as high enzyme diversity, high production efficiency, and the availability of solid waste as raw materials. Agricultural waste, an abundant and non-food competitive feedstock, can be used to produce fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes. Pretreatment helps break down the complex structure of the raw material, thereby significantly improving product yield but also requiring more energy consumption. Multiple fermentation technologies, including submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, and co-culture, can be used for producing lignocellulolytic enzymes. Process optimisation may promote the yield and productivity of such enzymes without additional investment. Genetic engineering is also useful for enhancing enzyme production to meet industrial requirements. This review summarises the research progress in the fungal production of lignocellulolytic enzymes from various agricultural wastes via advanced fermentation strategies. It aims to provide technical references for the scale-up production of fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes.