Recent advances in production of lignocellulolytic enzymes by solid-state fermentation of agro-industrial wastes
Paulina Leite, Daniel Sousa, Helena Fernandes, Marta Ferreira, Ana Rita Costa, Diogo Filipe, Margarida Gonçalves, Helena Perés, Isabel Belo, José Manuel Salgado
Abstract
Agricultural, forestry, and food industries produce large amounts of lignocellulosic wastes every year. Land disposal of these residues without proper treatment leads to environmental pollution and negative health effects. The recent advances in valorization of agro-industrial wastes by the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes under solid-state fermentation (SSF) are reviewed. SSF is a promising technology to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes. However, the large-scale feasibility is the main challenge of SSF being the control of operational parameters and adequate reactor design the first locks. The current and future trends of SSF bioreactors for lignocellulolytic enzyme production are summarized. SSF allows the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes with high stability at different temperatures and pH, improving their applicability in different industrial settings.