Ultrastructural Aspects of Wood Delignification by Phlebia (Merulius) tremellosus

Abstract

Wood from aspen and birch that had been decayed for 12 weeks by Phlebia tremellosus had averages of 30 and 31% weight loss, respectively, and 70% lignin loss. Digestibility increased from averages of 21 and 13% for sound aspen and birch to 54 and 51% for decayed aspen and birch. Individual wood sugar analyses of decayed birch blocks indicated an average loss of 10% glucose, 45% xylose, and 19% mannose. Micromorphological studies demonstrated the removal of middle lamellae and separation of cells. Vessels also separated at perforation plates. Electron microscopy with OsO 4 -glutaraldehyde-fixed and KMnO 4 -fixed wood showed that lignin was progressively removed first from the secondary cell wall layers, beginning at the lumen surface, and later from the compound middle lamella. Extensive degradation of lignin was found throughout the secondary wall and middle lamella region between cells. In cells with advanced decay, the middle lamella between cells was completely degraded, but cell corner regions remained.