Biomass photochemistry: XI. Photochemical pretreatment of cellulose and its fungal degradation

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Abstract
In order to study the single‐cell proteins and cellulase production, fungal degradation of α‐cellulose was tested. Photochemical pretreatment of α‐cellulose at λ > 254 nm increases by over 100% the cellulase production by Chrysonilia sitophila (TFB strain). This is reflected in a larger production of soluble proteins in the filtrate with higher cellulase activity when compared with unirradiated cellulose. Single‐cell protein production (insoluble proteins) was also improved after preirradiation of cellulose or even on rice hull as the only carbon source after inoculation with the spore of C. sitophila. This pretreatment is a valuable method for increasing the digestibility of lignocellulosic materials.