The influence of nutrient balance on lignin degradation by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Abstract

The degradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium of "natural" lignin in aspen wood, like synthetic lignin, was inhibited by nitrogen and stimulated by carbohydrate. Nitrogen delayed the appearance and reduced the level of ligninolytic activity and indirectly hastened its decline by accelerating depletion of the carbohydrate supply. The carbon:nitrogen ratio of the medium was a better predictor of lignin degradation than the absolute carbohydrate and nitrogen levels. Unlike nitrogen limitation, sulphate and phosphate limitation of growth did not stimulate lignin metabolism.