Ultrastructural aspects of lignocellulose degradation by some microorganisms

Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe fungal growth and the degradation of nutrient supplemented lignocellulose material chips after 8 weeks of incubation with three white-rot bisidiomycetes and Streptomyces viridosporus NRRL2414. All fungal strains grew well both across the chip surfaces and through the lumina of wood vessel and fiber cells as well as through natural wood cell pits and fungal bore holes. The white-rot fungi disrupted fiber surfaces, as shown by a fibral separation of eroded areas. Localized wall fragmentation and thinning were dearly visible.