Dynamic Changes in the Composite Microbial System MC1 During and Following its Rapid Degradation of Lignocellulose

To monitor the dynamics of the composite microbial system MC1 during its degradation of lignocellulose and to improve our understanding of the microbial communities involved in this biomass conversion, MC1 was characterized at eight time points over an 18-day, thermophilic, aerobic, static cultivation. We found the microbial communities to be dynamic, rhythmic consortia capable of changing in response to lignocellulose degradation. The growth curve over 18 days was M-shaped. Based on the quantitative changes in five major components of MC1 (Clostridium straminisolvens CSK-1, Clostridium sp. FG4, Pseudoxanthomonas sp. M1-3, Brevibacillus sp. M1-5, and Bordetella sp. M1-6), reduction in rice straw weight, cellulase (CMCase) activity, xylanase activity, and changes in medium pH, we found that the process comprised two identifiable phases. Rapid degradation occurred from day 0 to day 9, while the post-rapid degradation phase included days 10 to 18. Day 3 and day 12 were two key time points in the rapid degradation phase and post-rapid degradation phase, respectively. Two anaerobes, C. straminisolvens CSK-1 and Clostridium sp. FG4, dominated the MC1 system from day 0 to day 18.