Production of xylanases, mannanases, and pectinases by the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus

A group of 17 strains of the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus was examined for the production of xylanases, β-mannanases, arabinanases, and pectinases. All strains were found to be xylanolytic, and several were proven to be outstanding producers of microbial xylanase on glucuronoxylan and corn cobs. The strains hyperproducing xylanase secreted low amounts of xylan-debranching enzymes and did not produce β-mannan and arabinan-degrading enzyme systems. Only the strains showing lower xylanase production exhibited a higher degree of xylan utilization and also the ability to produce a mannanolytic enzyme system. One of the mannanolytic strains was found to be capable of producing arabinan-degrading enzymes. This strain also showed the best production of pectinolytic enzymes during growth on citrus pectin or sugar beet pulp. Some of the strains have good potential for use as sources of important industrial enzymes of high thermal stability.