Isolation and screening of potential ligninolytic fungi from different ecological niches in the Marathwada region

Abstract

Ligninolytic fungi play a significant role in the biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass through the production of extracellular oxidative enzymes such as laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP). In the present study, soil samples were collected from various ecological niches in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra-including field soil, compost pits, and sites near decaying woodto isolate potential ligninolytic fungi. A total of 30 fungal isolates (PBNF 1 to PBNF 30) were obtained using serial dilution and spread plate techniques on Potato Dextrose Agar. Primary screening was performed using qualitative plate assays with methylene blue, azure B, guaiacol, tannic acid, and ABTS as indicators. Out of the 30 isolates, five isolates (PBNF 11, 15, 17, 22, and 29) demonstrated positive reactions in at least one assay, indicating ligninolytic activity. These isolates were morphologically and microscopically identified as Cladosporium sp., Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Aspergillus awamori, respectively. This preliminary screening suggests that these fungi hold promising potential for ligninolytic enzyme production and may be applied in diverse biotechnological processes such as lignocellulosic biomass degradation, bioremediation, dye decolorization, and bioethanol production.