Biodegradation of Residues from the Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) Essential Oil Extraction and Their Potential for Enzyme Production Using Native Xylaria Fungi from Southern Ecuador

Abstract

The degradation dynamics of lignin and cellulose were analyzed by means of a solid state biodegradation experiment, using residues from the essential oil extraction of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). As such, two native Xylaria spp. and an exotic mushroom Trametes versicolor were incubated on the spent substrate (Residues of B. Graveolens, BGR’s). The relatively high lignin and cellulose contents of the BGRs (9.1% and 19%, respectively) indicated the potential of this resource for the production of methane (biogas) and ethanol. However, the degradation of the lignin and cellulose content could be traced back to the relatively high activity of the enzymes laccase, cellulase, and xylanase, produced by the fungi. The results showed that laccase (30.0 U/L and 26.6 U/L), cellulase (27.3 U/L and 35.8 U/L) and xylanase (189.7U/L and 128.3 U/L) activities of Xylaria feejeensis and Xylaria cf. microceras were generally higher than T. versicolor (9.0 U/L, 29.5 U/L, 99.5 U/L respectively). Furthermore, the total carbon (TC: 47.3%), total nitrogen (TN: 1.5%), total phosphorus (TP: 0.2%) and total potassium (TK: 1.2%) dynamics were analyzed during the experiment and their importance for the degradation process highlighted. The results of this work might serve as guidance for future studies in dry forest areas, while furthering the understanding of the potential use of native fungi as ecologic lignocellulosic decomposers and for industrial proposes.

Influence of seagrass traits on the diversity of endophytic fungi

“…P. citrinum is also reported to produce cellulosedegrading enzymes like β-glucosidases that can hydrolyze β-1-4 linkages of cellulose (da Costa et al 2018). Xylaria also has high cellulase and xylanase activity (Carrion-Paladines et al 2019). B. bassiana has been recorded to produce amylase, beta-glucosidase, endoglucanase, and xylanase (Amobonye et al 2021).…”

Identification and genetic characterization of a new totivirus from Bursera graveolens in western Ecuador

“…Currently, there is no available information about diseases affecting B. graveolens trees including potential viral pathogens. Instead, most research focuses on the properties of its essential oils and their medicinal use [4,5,6].…”

Formulación y caracterización de una crema de anfotericina B y aceite esencial de Bursera graveolens para el tratamiento local de la candidiasis cutánea

“…En particular, el aceite esencial obtenido a partir del fruto de Bursera graveolens compuesto principalmente de limoneno (49,89%), α-felandreno (37,64%) y mentofurano (6,08%), es un metabolito secundario volátil de interés ya que su composición química rica en terpenos le confiere al aceite una posible acción potenciadora de la permeación de fármacos 16,17 . Adicionalmente, varios estudios han reportado importantes actividades terapéuticas del aceite esencial de B. graveolens incluyendo su potencial antioxidante, antifúngico y anticancerígeno 18 .…”