Screening and performance of efficient lignin-degrading fungal consortium MR

The complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass is a key factor impeding its bioconversion. This study identified three fungi with high lignin-degrading efficiency from decayed wood and established a fungal consortium named MR. Utilizing response surface methodology, the study optimized enzyme production by MR. This resulted in achieving a maximum laccase activity of 668.83 U/L under specific conditions: 68.91 mL working volume, 12.16% inoculum, 22.57 carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and 6.2 days of incubation. The effectiveness of MR’s hydrolysis was demonstrated by utilizing 10 g/L soybean straw as the sole carbon source, with an 8% inoculum and a 4-day inoculation period. The relative degradation rate of lignin remained at 68.4%. The acetic acid concentration in the hydrolysate reached 209.85 mmol/L, representing over 80% of all volatile fatty acids. These findings suggest that the fungal consortium MR holds significant promise for efficiently converting lignocellulosic biomass into bioenergy and biofuels, offering a potentially sustainable solution to address energy and environmental challenges.