Isolation and identification of yeasts from the microbiota associated with lignocellulose degradation of Euryphia cordifolia (Palo podrido) with cellulolytic, xylanolytic, and laccase enzymatic activity

Abstract This study aimed to isolate yeasts strains from the microbiota associated with the degradation of lignocellulose from Eucryphia cordifolia, known as “Palo podrido”, with cellulolytic, xylanolytic, and laccase capacity. Ten yeasts were isolated and identified by sequencing the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) regions. Three basidiomycete yeasts and seven ascomycete yeasts were identified. All of the strains assimilated glucose and xylose, but none could assimilate starch. Three strains showed fermentative metabolism and five cellulolytic and xylanolytic activity in plaque. It was observed that the concentration and type of N influenced the hydrolytic activity in the growth medium. Only one strain was able to show laccase activity (Cryptococcus sp.) in a medium supplemented with glycerol. Based on the results obtained, the isolated yeasts have the potential to be used in hydrolysis processes of lignocellulolytic residues as well as in fermentative processes.