EXTRACTION OF PROTEINS FROM WOOD WAFERS COLONIZED BY DECAY FUNGI

Most studies of protein release and enzyme activity of wood decay fungi have been performed in liquid media. The conditions in these media may not accurately reflect those found in solid wood. In this study, a technique was developed to extract fungal proteins from heartwood wafers of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and sapwood wafers of red alder (Alnus rubra) colonized, respectively by Postia placenta and Trametes versicolor. Protein recovery and enzyme activity in extracts were greatest when a 50-mM sodium acetate buffer containing 0.05% Tween 80 was used.