XYLOTROPHIC FUNGUS Trichoderma atroviride: CULTIVATION, EXTRACELLULAR HYDROLYTIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Xylotrophic fungi are well known by their ability to excrete enzymes into environment. These fungi have important biotechnological potential and some of them produce industrial enzymes. Besides, xylotrophic fungal species have recently attracted a lot of attention among researchers as a source of antibacterial drugs. Aim. To analyze the effect of the carbon source in the culture medium, as well as the conditions of deep cultivation on the mycelium yield, proteolytic, cellulolytic and antimicrobial activity of the culture liquid of Trichoderma atroviride. Methods. Deep culture methods were used, partial purification was carried out with salting and subsequent dialysis, the cellulolytic activity was determined spectrophotometrically, antimicrobial activity was determined using the disc diffusion technique. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 6.0 software. Results. The highest cellulolytic activity (0.50±0.03 units/ml), mycelium yield and the smallest colony diameter were detected when cellulose was used as a carbon source. However, the highest proteolytic activity of the culture liquid was observed with glucose as a carbon source. The optimal temperature range for hydrolase activity was shown to be in the range of 25-30 °C. In comparison with Pleurotus ostreatus, the culture liquid of T. atroviride not only has more pronounced antimicrobial activity, but also inhibits the growth of Candida albicans. Conclusions. The culture liquid of isolated strain T. atroviride is a promising source of hydrolytic enzymes that can be used in organic farming and industry. The purified preparation obtained from the culture liquid of T. atroviride showed significant antimicrobial activity and can be successfully used for drug development in the future.