6-21: Production of cellulases and hemicelulases by Penicillium viridicatum RFC3 on solid state fermentation

The production of ethanol from the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material has been pointed out as being a promising source of alternative energy. This work evaluated, for the first time, the production of cellulases and hemicelulases by the mesophilic fungus Penicillium viridicatum RFC3 on solid state fermentation, using different agro-industrial waste. A better enzyme production was obtained from the cultivation on corncob and wheat bran. The β-glucosidase production, 6.0 U/mL, was high compared to those described in current literature. Activities of xylanase and β-xylosidase were 52.3 U/mL and 1.9 U/mL, respectively. CMCase activity was very low and no avicelase activity was detected. Absence of reports in literature, as well as the levels of enzymes found in the fungus P. viridicatum, qualify it as a new and potential source of β-glucosidase, xylanase and β-xylosidase for use in the area of bioenergy.