Dynamics of cellulase production by glucose grown cultures of Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30 as a response to addition of cellulose

An economic process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose would allow utilization of cellulosic biomass for the production of easily fermentable low-cost sugars. New and more efficient fermentation processes are emerging to convert this biologic currency to a variety of commodity products with a special emphasis on fuel ethanol production. Since the cost of cellulase production currently accounts for a large fraction of the estimated total production costs of bioethanol, a significantly less expensive process for cellulase enzyme production is needed. It will most likely be desirable to obtain cellulase production on different carbon sources—including both polymeric carbohydrates and monosaccharides. The relation between enzyme production and growth profile of the microorganism is key for designing such processes. We conducted a careful characterization of growth and cellulase production by the soft-rot fungus Trichoderma reesei. Glucosegrown cultures of T. reesei Rut-C30 were subjected to pulse additions of Solka-floc (delignified pine pulp), and the response was monitored in terms of CO₂ evolution and increased enzyme activity. There was an immediate and unexpectedly strong CO₂ evolution at the point of Solka-floc addition. The time profiles of induction of cellulase activity, cellulose degradation, and CO₂ evolution are analyzed and discussed herein.