Enzymes break down cellulose, toxins: multicolor gill polypore

Multicolor gill polypores and other brown rot fungi break down cellulose and some toxins using digestive enzymes.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Polymers

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Alternative to harsh chemicals in pulp and paper manufacturing.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The powerful enzymes secreted by certain fungi digest lignin and cellulose, the primary structural components of wood. These digestive enzymes can also break down a surprisingly wide range of toxins that have chemical bonds like those in wood. Such mushrooms can be classified into 2 subgroups: brown rotters and white rotters. Only about 7 percent of mushrooms are brown rot fungi; of those, about 70 percent are polypores (Gilbertson and Ryvarden 1986-87). Brown rot fungi's extracellular enzymes break down the white, pulpy cellulose, leaving behind the brownish lignin (hence the name)." (Stamets 2005:82)

About the inspiring organism

Lenzites
Lenzites

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Alternative to harsh chemicals in pulp and paper manufacturing.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Bioremediation; pulp and paper

Experts

Paul Stamets

Fungi Perfecti® LLC

References

Stamets, Paul. 2005. Mycelium running: how mushrooms can help save the world. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.

Enzymes break down cellulose, toxins: multicolor gill polypore

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