Lignin-degrading enzyme production by entrapped cells of Phanerochaete chrysosporium in submerged culture system

The ability of immobilized cell cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium ME-446 (ATCC 34541) to produce extracellular lignin-degrading enzymes, namely lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase was investigated. The production of both enzymes was increased by entrapping the fungus in scouring mesh cubes and calcium alginate beads, compared to the free cells. Scouring mesh cubes showed better production than calcium alginate beads. Using the optimized parameters for the preparation of the immobilizing supports; scouring mesh cubes showed the maximum production of 158 mU/ml lignin peroxidase and 104 mU/ml manganese peroxidase, whilst the calcium alginate beads showed the maximum production of 124 mU/ml lignin peroxidase and 78 mU/ml manganese peroxidase. Both preparations exhibited significant production stability of three repeated runs.