Optimized fungal defibrillation of wood using selected strains of Gloeophyllum trabeum and Resinicium bicolor

We studied the capacity of a selected strain of Gloeophyllum trabeum, alone or in combination with Resinicium bicolor, to defibrillate non treated deciduous wood at a semi industrial composting scale. Inoculum amount, aeration of the composted wood, type (freshly cut wood and wood stored since several years) and the quantity of wood used were analysed. The remaining cellular cohesion, lignin and holocellulose, as well as fungal biomass content in the wood after various treatments were determined. Results showed that G. trabeum rapidly colonised the non-sterile substrate and caused greater biodefibrillation compared with the control (non inoculated wood). Effects of the various treatments on biodefibrillation were compared and are discussed.