Laccases are multicopper oxidases with high potential for environmental and industrial applications. Low-cost laccase production could be achieved by solid

In this study, 51 fungal strains were isolated from decaying wood samples collected from forests located in the Northwest of Tunisia in the vicinity of Bousalem, Ain Draham and Kef. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of the internal transcribed spacers of the ribosomal DNA showed a high diversity among the 51 fungal isolates collection. Representatives of 25 genera and 29 species were identified, most of which were members of one of the following phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Zygomycota). In addition to the phylogenetic diversity, a high diversity of secreted enzyme profiles was also detected among the fungal isolates. All fungal strains produced at least one of the following enzymes: laccase, cellulase, protease and/or lipase.

The main purpose of this study was to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) from contaminated soil in batch microcosm reactors. Native soil fungi isolated from the same petroleum-polluted soil and ligninolytic fungal strains were screened and applied in the treatment of soil-contaminated microcosms in aerobic conditions. The bioaugmentation processes were carried out using selected hydrocarbonoclastic fungal strains in mono or co-cultures. Results demonstrated the petroleum-degrading potential of six fungal isolates, namely KBR1 and KBR8 (indigenous) and KBR1-1, KB4, KB2 and LB3 (exogenous). Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis, KBR1 and KB8 were identified as Aspergillus niger [MW699896] and tubingensis [MW699895], while KBR1-1, KB4, KB2 and LB3 were affiliated with the genera Syncephalastrum sp. [MZ817958], Paecilomyces formosus [MW699897], Fusarium chlamydosporum [MZ817957] and Coniochaeta sp. [MW699893], respectively. The highest rate of TPH degradation was recorded in soil microcosm treatments (SMT) after 60 days by inoculation with Paecilomyces formosus 97 ± 2.54%, followed by bioaugmentation with the native strain Aspergillus niger (92 ± 1.83%) and then by the fungal consortium (84 ± 2.21%). The statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences.

This study focused on the myco-fabrication of packaging materials based on biosourced fungal mycelium. The methodology includes evaluating several substrates, focused on wood sawdust, spent coffee grounds, and orange peels with five filamentous strains. The screening steps on solid and liquid agrowaste media, as well as the elemental compositions of the waste substrates, showed that the T. versicolor BS7 strain grown on the mixture of spent coffee grounds and wood sawdust (SCG/Saw) seems to be promising for mycelium-based biocomposites (MBCs) biofabrication. The analysis of the chemical properties indicated that the pH value, nitrogen content, and organic matter content of the obtained MBCs were within the following ranges: 4.67–5.8, 1.05–1.043%, and 27.2–25.5%, respectively. The SEM analysis reveals that the combination of SCG and sawdust induced a well-developed mycelial network contributing to the material’s water absorption (125.73% after 1 h). Also, the obtained MBC exhibits good density (0.580 g cm⁻³), moderate compressive strength of 3.62 ± 0.5 MPa, relatively high strain at failure (57%), and good thermal stability with Tmax of 601.23 °C. The biodegradation percentage for this optimal composition indicates that MBC can easily decompose in the environment. Overall, the MBC derived from SCG/Saw appears to be a promising biomaterial with potential applications in soil amendments.