Application of mathematical models to describe the wood decomposition process caused by lignin-degrading fungi

Kazartsev, I. A. & Soloviev, V. A. (2012) Application of mathematical models to describe the wood decomposition process caused by lignin-degrading fungi.

Sydowia 64 (2): 221–232

Our study used modeling approaches to describe the decomposition of wood and wood constituents caused by lignin-degrading fungi. Several models, which describe wood-mass loss versus time, lignin-mass loss versus wood-mass loss, and lignin-mass loss versus time, were sequentially examined, based on the empirical data obtained for Trametes pubescens, Bjerkandera adusta, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Phanerochaete sanguinea. We determined that simultaneous white-rot fungi degrade lignin in a linear relationship to wood-mass loss, while lignin degradation caused by successive white-rot fungi corresponds to an exponential dependency. All the parameters of the introduced models were estimated, particularly the 'specific rates of decomposition' and the 'lignin degradation indexes.' The resulting approach provides a method to understand the kinetics of the decomposition of wood constituents caused by wood-inhabiting fungi and allows researchers to perform comparative studies of novel isolates and species. Through the use of models, it was determined that the P. sanguinea strain 16–65 causes more selective delignification of Populus tremula and Picea abies wood than does C. subvermispora, and this effect can be promising in biotechnology.

Keywords: biopulping, biodegradation, white-rot, lignin, delignification.