4 Fungal enzymes for lignocellulose degradation

Microbial degradation of lignocellulose has been intensively studied for decades. Interest in lignocellulose as a renewable resource prompted these investigations, although in recent years fungal enzymes have attracted much attention in pulp and paper manufacturing. Irrespective of considerable research effort, fundamental questions remain with regard to mechanisms of lignocellulose degradation. Progress has been hampered by numerous factors including substrate complexity and the multiplicity of enzymes. Not surprisingly, this intense interest has resulted in voluminous literature. In this chapter literature relevant to lignocellulose degradation by filamentous fungi is outlined. The format of the text is organized around substrates of increasing complexity (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and recent developments are highlighted. Areas where knowledge is sketchy are identified. Except as points of reference, prokaryotic systems are not discussed, and the reader is referred to numerous review articles for additional information.