Description
Taking into account the unspecificity of the enzymatic system secreted by these fungi, the characterization of new enzymes and the similar structure of lignin products and some aromatic recalcitrant compounds causing environmental problems, we also are studying the role of ligninolytic enzymes in the degradation of problematic aromatic compounds present in industrial effluents (dyes form textile industry and aromatic compounds present in olive oil mill wastewaters). At the moment we have a collaboration project with Túnez to: isolate new fungi able to degrade recalcitrant aromatic compounds, ii) characterize the enzymatic system involved in the biodegradation process, iii) study the enzymatic degradation of model compounds and iv) check the efficiency of the enzymatic treatment in industrial effluents.
We also study other applications in the frame work of a project from “Comunidad de Madrid” coordinated by Complutense University (PROLIPAPEL). This University, CIB, INIA and CIEMAT participate together in this project to contribute to development a more sustainable process. The CIB study the role of fungal esterases and laccases in different steps to decrease the use of water in the process and reduce stickies problems.
In addition, we are studying a new fungal specie isolated from a biodeteriorated compact disk (CD). This CD-audio was found in Belize, a small country between Mexico and Guatemala, with evident symptoms of progressive biodeterioration. The fungus isolated from this CD is able to reproduce the degradation pattern of the original CD. The objectives of this work are: to study the degradation of the polycarbonate and the other CD components by the isolated fungus, ii) to study the enzymatic system secreted by this fungus, and other related strains, iii) to study the biotechnological applications of this fungus and other fungi for biodegradation/recycling of plastic materials.
