ENZYME SCREENING FROM Pleurotus spp. STRAINS UNDER SUBMERGED CONDITIONS AS A BASIS FOR FUTURE AGRO-WASTE BIOCONVERSION STUDIES

Abstract

Bioconversion efficiency of agricultural waste into value-added products relies on robust microbial strains capable of producing a broad of extracellular enzymes. Among edible mushrooms, Pleurotus species are recognized for their enzymatic diversity and potential in solid-state fermentation processes. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the extracellular enzymatic profiles of four Pleurotus species, including P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius, P. djamor, and P. citrinopileatus to identify the most suitable strain for agro-waste bioconversion. Each species was cultivated under identical conditions and the activities of four key enzymes (laccase, cellulase, protease, and chitinase) were quantified using standardized colorimetric assays. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test (p<0.05). The results showed that P. pulmonarius exhibited the most balanced enzymatic profile, with high laccase (59.9 ± 5.5 U/mL) and cellulase (5.39 ± 0.38 U/mL) activities, moderate protease activity (14.4 ± 3.4 U/mL) and strong chitinase activity (7.59 ± 0.85 U/mL). Unlike other species that showed specialization in one or two enzymes, P. pulmonarius performed consistently across all categories, enabling it to degrade lignin, cellulose, proteins and chitin. Hence, P. pulmonarius is identified as the optimal candidate for integrated agro-waste valorization via SSF, offering significant potential for applications in circular bioeconomy frameworks and sustainable bioprocess development.