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Mushrooms are a group of fungi with great diversity and ultra-accelerated metabolism. As a consequence, mushrooms have developed a protective mechanism consisting of high concentrations of antioxidants such as selenium, polyphenols, β-glucans, ergothioneine, various vitamins and other bioactive metabolites. The mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus have generated scientific interest due to their therapeutic properties, especially related to risk factors connected to the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this report, we highlight the therapeutic properties of Pleurotus mushrooms that may be associated with a reduction in the severity of COVID-19: antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherogenic, anticholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic properties. These properties may interact significantly with risk factors for COVID-19 severity, and the therapeutic potential of these mushrooms for the treatment or prevention of this disease is evident. Besides this, studies show that regular consumption of Pleurotus species mushrooms or components isolated from their tissues is beneficial for immune health. Pleurotus species mushrooms may have a role in the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases either as food supplements or as sources for pharmacological agents.

The conversion of rice hulls into fermentable saccharides was explored through steam pretreatment employing 2.5% SO2. The interaction between temperature and time was assessed by means of the response surface method to achieve optimum contents of C6-sugars in water-insoluble solids (WIS) and C5-sugars in the liquor. Pretreatment carried out at 218 °C for 2.3 min released liquor containing 55.4 g/L of sugars (29.1 g/L of xylose). In parallel, the WIS was subjected to enzymatic saccharification using different solid and enzyme loads via an experimental design: assays using 22.0% WIS and 20.0 filter paper units (FPU)/g led to 90.6 g/L of glucose, corresponding to a yield of 86.4% and an overall yield of 72.4%. The data reported are the highest ever found for such raw material, making it attractive to compete with conventional lignocellulosic biomass.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a synthetic polymer that is widely applicable in the fields of food packaging, equipment protection and civil construction. Aiming to replace EPS, biofoams were developed utilizing mycelia of the macrofungi Pycnoporus sanguineus, Pleurotus albidus and Lentinus velutinus in a medium formulated with sawdust and wheat bran. Sample characterization was obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier Transform; density and compression strength were analysed as mechanical properties. The main results include that the compression strengths of biofoams from P. sanguineus, P. albidus and L. velutinus were 1.3, 0.4, and 1.3 MPa, respectively, which exceed that of EPS (0.4 MPa). The thermal stability of the biofoams was lower than that of EPS; however, they were stable up to 350 °C. Biofoams are denser than EPS, with values of 0.3 and 0.03 g cm−3, respectively. The data obtained for biofoams categorize this material as sustainable substitute for EPS in some applications, while at the same time, reducing the environmental impact caused by sawdust and EPS.

Penicillium echinulatum 2HH is an ascomycete well known for its production of cellulolytic enzymes. Understanding lignocellulolytic and sugar uptake systems is essential to obtain efficient fungi strains for the production of bioethanol. In this study we performed a genome-wide functional annotation of carbohydrate-active enzymes and sugar transporters involved in the lignocellulolytic system of P. echinulatum 2HH and S1M29 strains (wildtype and mutant, respectively) and eleven related fungi. Additionally, signal peptide and orthology prediction were carried out. We encountered a diverse assortment of cellulolytic enzymes in P. echinulatum, especially in terms of β-glucosidases and endoglucanases. Other enzymes required for the breakdown of cellulosic biomass were also found, including cellobiohydrolases, lytic cellulose monooxygenases and cellobiose dehydrogenases. The S1M29 mutant, which is known to produce an increased cellulase activity, and the 2HH wild type strain of P. echinulatum did not show significant differences between their enzymatic repertoire. Nevertheless, we unveiled an amino acid substitution for a predicted intracellular β-glucosidase of the mutant, which might contribute to hyperexpression of cellulases through a cellodextrin induction pathway. Most of the P. echinulatum enzymes presented orthologs in P. oxalicum 114-2, supporting the presence of highly similar cellulolytic mechanisms and a close phylogenetic relationship between these fungi. A phylogenetic analysis of intracellular β-glucosidases and sugar transporters allowed us to identify several proteins potentially involved in the accumulation of intracellular cellodextrins. These may prove valuable targets in the genetic engineering of P. echinulatum focused on industrial cellulases production. Our study marks an important step in characterizing and understanding the molecular mechanisms employed by P. echinulatum in the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass.

Considering the growing importance of biofuels in Brazil and throughout the world, and taking into account that glycerol is a surplus byproduct of biodiesel production, the present study aimed to evaluate the production of cellulases and xylanases by Peniciliium echinulatum, mutant strain S1M29, using different concentrations of glycerol as a carbon source in combination or not with cellulose. Experimental use of 50% glycerol and 50% cellulose showed promising FPA activity, however, this was only approximately 50% of that obtained by previous studies employing only cellulose as a carbon source. More relevant was the fact that the enzyme broth prepared with 50% glycerol and 50% cellulose proved to be efficient in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses, especially for elephant grass pretreated by steam explosion.

The present work was carried out to determine the best sources and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen in the production of laccases, total peroxidases and manganese peroxidase by Marasmiellus palmivorus VE111. Among the carbon and nitrogen sources used, the combination of glucose and casein led to higher production of laccases (5134 U/mL), total peroxidases (187 U/mL) and manganese peroxidase (57 U/mL). Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to determine the optimum concentrations of glucose and casein to produce enzymes. The experiments with better results were scaled up in a 5 L bioreactor. It was verified that lower concentrations of glucose (5 and 10 g/L) stimulated higher activity of total peroxidases (1285 U/mL) and laccases (3420 U/mL), respectively, while a higher concentration of glucose (30 g/L) favoured the production of manganese peroxidase (59 U/mL). These data indicate high performance of M. palmivorus VE111 in the production of ligninolytic enzymes.

One of the current challenges to produce second-generation ethanol is to obtain an efficient enzyme complex for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Genetic improvement of lignocellulolytic fungi has helped to obtain strains that secrete higher enzymatic titers. This article analyzes the enzymatic profile of two strains of Penicillium echinulatum, wild type 2HH and mutant S1M29, grown on different carbon sources (sugarcane bagasse pretreated by steam explosion, cellulose, glucose, and glycerol) at different cultivation times. To determine enzyme activities, 23 substrates were used. P. echinulatum showed potential to produce cellulases, hemicellulases, esterases, and in minor proportions, pectinases. The mutant strain showed the highest enzymatic titers to most enzymes considered and its enzymatic broth was used in the enzymatic hydrolysis of vegetable biomass. This study broadened the understanding of the enzyme complex of this fungus and the importance of future studies with the mutant strain for use in the production of second-generation ethanol.

The efficiency of Marasmiellus palmivorus enzymes in synthetic dye decolorization was evaluated both during submerged cultivation and by crude enzyme broth treatment. Additionally, post-treatment toxicity of the samples against Lactuca sativa was assessed. M. palmivorus VE-111 crude broth achieved highest decolorization efficiency for dyes Reactive blue 220 and Acid blue 80. During submerged cultivation, maximal decolorization was observed for Acid blue 80, Dianix yellow Seg, Reactive blue 220, Navy blue S2GRL and Disperse orange 30. Superior laccase activity was accomplished in culture media containing Reactive blue 220, reaching a yield of 3444.44 ± 0.00 U mL−1 in 8 days. Phytotoxicity assays indicate no toxic metabolites were formed during simultaneous decolorization and submerged cultivation. Results achieved regarding azo and anthraquinone dye decolorization by M. palmivorus VE-111 enzymes and biomass are noteworthy and support its potential application in bioremediation of industrial wastewater.

Production of phenol oxidases by Marasmiellus palmivorus was evaluated in submerged cultures at different pH conditions: uncontrolled (free), fixed at 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 and controlled after reaching pH 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0. pH (3–8) and temperature (20–45 °C) were optimized for laccase production and the thermal stability (30–60 °C) of laccases was evaluated. In addition, laccase activity in concentrated crude enzyme extract was evaluated. Laccase activity was greatest in production conditions of free pH (1950.6 ± 42.7 U mL−1), free - pH 6 (1901 ± 85.5 U mL−1) and fixed - pH 7 (1851.8 ± 0.0 U mL−1). Laccase activity was highest when reaction conditions were pH 4.0–5.5 and 25–45 °C. By concentrating the crude enzyme extract it was possible to significantly increase laccase activity. The greater the enzymatic activity used in the decolorization of the dyes Reactive Blue 220 and Acid Green 28, the shorter the time required to remove 90% and 75% of the color respectively. Given the results, it is evident that M. palmivorus can secrete high concentrations of phenol oxidases with potential biotechnological applications.

The performance of two lignocellulosic biomasses was studied in high-pressure carbon dioxide/water pre-treatment. Sugarcane bagasse and elephant grass were used to produce C5-sugars from hemicellulose and, simultaneously, to promote cellulose digestibility for enzymatic saccharification. Different pre-treatment conditions, with combined severity factor ranging from -1.17 to -0.04, were evaluated and maximal total xylan to xylose yields of 59.2wt.% (34.4wt.% xylooligomers) and 46.4wt.% (34.9wt.% xylooligomers) were attained for sugarcane bagasse and elephant grass, respectively. Furthermore, pre-treated biomasses were highly digestible, with glucan to glucose yields of 77.2mol% and 72.4mol% for sugarcane bagasse and elephant grass, respectively. High-pressure carbon dioxide/water pre-treatment provides high total C5-sugars and glucose recovery from both lignocellulosic biomasses; however it is highly influenced by composition and intrinsic features of each biomass. The obtained results confirm this approach as an effective and greener alternative to conventional pre-treatment processes.

The oxidation activity of laccase on a broad range of substrates has attracted great interest in the development of technologies for industrial and environmental applications. In this work, a crude laccase from Marasmiellus palmivorus was immobilized onto chitosan-coated magnetic particles. The support was developed and characterized by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), specific surface area, and pore size by BET/BJH method, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Magnetic particles retained approximately 30% of magnetization (19.5 emu/g) after enzyme immobilization. The highest activity of the immobilized crude laccase was 139.84 U.g dry support−1 (48.74% efficiency and 99% yield) when 25 mg protein. g dry support−1 were applied in the support previously activated with 90 mM glutaraldehyde. Enzyme immobilization was fast, reaching maximum recovered activity (36%) after 5 min of contact with the support. The optimum pH of the soluble and immobilized crude laccase was 5.5 and the optimum temperature varied between 40 and 50 °C for the soluble form and between 25 and 35 °C for the immobilized form. Immobilization increased the thermal stability of the enzyme by a factor of 1.33. Decolorization reaction of methyl orange dye using ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt) as a mediator allowed 30 cycles of reuse with a percentage of decolorization above 60%.

The enzymatic hydrolysis of Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass) was evaluated at high total solid levels (from 4% to 20% (w/v)) in a concomitant ball milling treatment in a rotating hydrolysis reactor (RHR). The greatest glucose yield was 20.17% when 4% (w/v) untreated biomass was employed. When sugars obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis were submitted to fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the greatest ethanol yield was 22.61% when 4% (w/v) untreated biomass was employed; however, the highest glucose concentration (12.47g/L) was obtaining using 20% (w/v) solids and highest ethanol concentration (6.1g/L) was obtained using 16% (w/v) solids. When elephant grass was hydrolyzed in the rotating hydrolysis reactor, ethanol production was about double that was produced when the biomass was hydrolyzed in a static reactor (SR). These data indicate that it is possible to produce ethanol from elephant grass when milling treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis are performed at the same time.

The aim of this study was to investigate the production profile of Pleurotus albidus and Pycnoporus sanguineus on different waste substrates containing natural phenolics, and also to investigate whether phenolic-rich substrates can improve the phenolic content of these macrofungi. The medium formulated with Pinus sp. sawdust (PSW) made possible the highest yields (2.62±0.73%) of P. sanguineus. However, the supplementation of PSW with apple waste (AW) resulted in better P. albidus yields (23.94±2.92%). The results indicated that the substrate composition affected macrofungi production, also the chemical composition and the presence of phenolic compounds in the production media influence phenolic content and antioxidant activity in macrofungi.

One of the bottlenecks in the production of second-generation ethanol is the high cost of the enzymes used for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. One way to reduce this cost is to use local biomass, such as elephant grass ( Pennisetum purpureum ), but for this use the lignocellulosic material must be pretreated. Among the pretreatments that have been studied, steam explosion has been the most efficient. In this study, it was evaluated the production of cellulases and xylanases by Penicillium echinulatum S1M29 in solid-state cultivation using elephant grass pretreated by steam explosion at different temperatures (180, 190 and 200 °C) and residence times (6, 8, 10 min). In culture media, it was used 100% elephant grass that was pretreated by steam explosion (washed and unwashed after the process) or in combination with wheat bran (50%). It was found that the untreated elephant grass is superior to wheat bran for Filter Paper Activity (FPA) with values of 23.38 ± 0.10 IU g −1 . The replacement of 50% wheat bran with elephant grass that was pretreated by steam explosion and washed favoured the production of enzymes with maximal activities of 32.93 ± 0.58 IU g −1 for FPA, 205.83 6.85 ± IU g −1 for endoglucanase, and 148.96 ± 0.00 IU g −1 for β-glucosidases. For xylanase production, untreated elephant grass proved more effective because the combination of substrates provided the greatest enzymatic activity in a sample that was not subjected to washing, reaching values of 571.74 ± 27.14 IU g −1 .

The production of Agaricus blazei, Auricularia fuscosuccinea and Pleurotus albidus mycoproteins in brewer-spent grain and grape bagasse by solid-state cultivation was studied, including an investigation of their nutritional value and biological activity. The production of P. albidus mycoprotein in brewer-spent grain resulted in the highest values of protein (22.6 g.100 g−1), total amino acids (78.54 mg.g−1), ergosterol (0.39 ± 0.01 mg.g−1) and mycelial biomass (125.60 ± 3.30 mg.g−1). The A. fuscosuccinea mycoprotein in brewer-spent grain resulted in the highest value of total phenolics (3.80 mg EAG/g) and higher antioxidant activity. Using grape bagasse, the P. albidus mycoprotein increased 23.9% proteins, reduced 15.5% and 77% total fats and phenolics, respectively. Anti-hyperglycaemic activity, assessed by α-glycosidase inhibition in vitro, was observed in the P. albidus and A. blazei mycoproteins produced in brewer-spent grain (inhibition of α-glycosidase >98%). Mycoproteins produced in brewer-spent grain and grape bagasse could be a strategy to increase the nutritional value and biological activity of these agroindustrial residues.

The cost of hydrolytic enzymes is one bottleneck for economic production of second generation ethanol and the use of low cost substrates is required. The use of elephant grass for the production of hydrolytic enzymes is a promising alternative due its high productivity, but it requires pretreatment. In this context, the steam explosion method appears to be advantageous for producing structural changes in the lignocellulosic material, making the biomass more accessible to enzymatic action. The elephant grass was pretreated via steam explosion – at 180, 190 and 200 °C, with residence times of 6, 8 and 10 min – for the production of cellulases and xylanases by Penicillium echinulatum S1M29 in submerged cultivation was evaluated. The biomass that was pretreated at 190 °C for 8 and 6 min showed a positive result for filter paper activity (FPA), endoglucanases and β-glucosidases, since the biomass is washed with water after the pretreatment. All of the pretreatments showed a negative result for xylanase. The results indicate that elephant grass that has been pretreated using steam explosion can be used as a substrate for the production of enzymes for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass.

In the search for renewable energy sources, elephant grass is an alternative substrate for ethanol production, but this substrate must be hydrolyzed by cellulases and xylanases to liberate fermentable sugars. During enzymatic hydrolysis, cellulase activity is reduced by the irreversible adsorption of cellulase onto cellulose, decreasing the rate of hydrolysis. Adding surfactants during hydrolysis can improve the process. The effects of Tween® and Triton® surfactants on the enzymatic hydrolysis of elephant grass were evaluated in this context. The data indicate that pretreatment with sodium hydroxide, along with a smaller particle size (0.075–0.152 mm) and the use of Tween 80®, increased the efficiency of releasing reducing sugars from pretreated elephant grass biomass. Thus, it is possible to reduce grinding costs in second-generation ethanol production through the use of surfactants, as they allow efficient hydrolysis of larger biomass particles.

Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass) is a tropical species presenting C4 metabolism and high productivity, yielding approximately 45 t of dry matter/ha/year. Such productivity makes elephant grass an interesting biomass source to produce second-generation ethanol. However, the high cost of enzymes for enzymatic hydrolysis is one bottleneck on the way to making the production of this biofuel economically viable. The production of cellulases and xylanases by Penicillium echinulatum 9A02S1 was evaluated using 85 different non-treated elephant grass accessions in submerged culture, aiming to identify genotypes with potential biomass for the production of enzymes for the second-generation ethanol industry. The data clearly indicate that it is possible to replace cellulose with elephant grass biomass for the production of cellulases, β-glucosidases and xylanases. The accession IJ 7127 produced 4.7 times more than cellulose for endoglucanases and 4 times for Filter Paper Activity. Ten accessions (BAGCE 69, Napierzinho, IJ 7125, IJ 7126, IJ 7127, IJ 7136, IJ 7141, CAC-262, Ibitinema, 13 AD) produced at least 4 times more β-glucosidases than cellulose, and for xylanases, three accessions (Mercker 86 Mexico, Taiwan A-144, Napier S.E.A.) produced twice as much as the control. The data also indicate that there is no direct relationship between the amount of lignin and cellulose in the substrate, but the mineral salts present in the sample significantly influenced the enzyme production.

Renewable energy sources, such as high-biomass yield elephant grass ( Pennisetum purpureum ) are an alternative feedstock for ethanol production. In addition to its adaptation to different soils and climates, elephant grass can generate approximately 45 t of dry matter per hectare per year. In this study, the enzymatic hydrolysis of elephant grass was evaluated in order to determine the best pretreatment conditions, enzyme load and substrate concentrations. Moreover, a comparison of a hydrolytic enzyme complex of Penicillium echinulatum produced in either solid-state or submerged cultures for enzymatic hydrolysis of elephant grass was performed. The highest yield of reducing sugars was obtained with the hydrolysis of elephant grass pretreated with 3% NaOH (558.56 ± 41.18 mg/g dry mass). Moreover, the enzymes produced in solid-state cultivation were more stable during hydrolysis and released the highest quantities of reducing sugars and glucose.

Penicillium echinulatum 9A02S1 is a filamentous fungus with a cellulolytic system that may be used in the processes involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic materials for ethanol production. In this study, the 9A02S1 strain of P. echinulatum was grown in submerged cultures with various carbon sources to assess the activities of cellulases and β-glucosidases and their enzymatic activities were assessed utilizing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cellulose was used as the inducer. Carboxymethyl cellulose proved to be an efficient carbon source for the production of endoglucanase and filter paper activity. Cellobiose, glucose and sorbitol stimulated the production of β-glucosidases. The presence of multimeric forms of the enzymes or their post-translational modifications were assessed.

The development of more productive strains of microorganisms and processes that increase enzyme levels can contribute to the economically efficient production of second generation ethanol. To this end, cellulases and xylanases were produced with the S1M29 mutant strain of Penicillium echinulatum , using different concentrations of cellulose (20, 40, and 60 g L −1 ) in batch and fed-batch processes. The highest activities of FPase (8.3 U mL −1 ), endoglucanases (37.3 U mL −1 ), and xylanases (177 U mL −1 ) were obtained in fed-batch cultivation with 40 g L −1 of cellulose. The P. echinulatum enzymatic broth and the commercial enzyme Cellic CTec2 were tested for hydrolysis of pretreated sugar cane bagasse. Maximum concentrations of glucose and xylose were achieved after 72 h of hydrolysis. Glucose yields of 28.0% and 27.0% were obtained using the P. echinulatum enzymatic extract and Cellic CTec2, respectively.

Mushroom extracts are increasingly sold as dietary supplements because of several of their properties, including the enhancement of immune function and antitumor activity. We hypothesized that soluble polar substances present in mushroom extracts may show antioxidant and anticancer properties. This report shows that Brazilian aqueous extracts of Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus sajor-caju exert inhibitory activity against the proliferation of the human tumor cell lines laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2) and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa). Cell viability was determined after using 3 different temperatures (4°C, 22°C, and 50°C) for mushroom extraction. Biochemical assays carried out in parallel indicated higher amounts of polyphenols in the L edodes extracts at all extraction temperatures investigated. The scavenging ability of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical showed higher activity for L edodes extracts. Superoxide dismutase-like activity showed no statistically significant difference among the groups for the 2 tested extracts, and catalase-like activity was increased with the L edodes extracts at 4°C. The results for the cytotoxic activity from P sajor-caju extracts at 22°C revealed the half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.64% ± 0.02% for Hep-2 and 0.25% ± 0.02% for HeLa. A higher cytotoxic activity was found for the L edodes extract at 22°C, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.78% ± 0.02% for Hep-2 and 0.57% ± 0.01% for HeLa. Substantial morphological modifications in cells were confirmed by Giemsa staining after treatment with either extract, suggesting inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis with increasing extract concentrations. These results indicate that the aqueous extracts of Brazilian L edodes and P sajor-caju mushrooms are potential sources of antioxidant and anticancer compounds. However, further investigations are needed to exploit their valuable therapeutic uses and to elucidate their modes of action.

Nowadays, cellulase importance is growing mainly due to its potential utilization in developing second-generation ethanol technology. Thus, considerable effort has been made to obtain new genotypes with improved capacity to produce efficient and cost-effective enzyme complexes for cellulose hydrolysis. The majority of the genetically manipulated strains that produce higher amounts of cellulases come from of the wild Trichoderma reesei QM6A. Such as T. reesei cellulolytic mutants, Penicillium echinulatum mutants also produce high titles of cellulases (filter paper activities—FPA), and its enzymatic complex effectively hydrolyses cellulose. In the present work, we obtained genetic variability with the purpose of enhancing cellulase production by protoplast fusion between P. echinulatum and T. harzianum . The resulting fusants, who were all morphologically like the P. echinulatum parental, were initially characterized by RAPD, and the results showed that almost all amplified DNA bands showed correlation with P. echinulatum DNA bands. Some of new selected strains presented higher FPA and β-glucosidases activities when compared to the parental strains. One particular clone – BP2 – showed values of FPA activities around of 2 UI ml −1 , in submerged cultures and all selected strains showed faster and higher secretion of cellulases in solid-state cultures, in comparison to the parental strain of P. echinulatum . Altogether, at the same time that our results show increased cellulase secretion by P. echinulatum strains, they also show that protoplast fusion techniques associated with an efficient selection process could be a useful tool in genetic improvement to generate better cellulose-producing strains aimed at economically hydrolyzing cellulose with a view to second-generation ethanol.

Penicillium echinulatum has been identified as a potential cellulase producer for bioconversion processes but its cellulase system has never been investigated in detail. In this work, the volumetric activities of P. echinulatum cellulases were determined against filter paper (0.27 U/mL), carboxymethylcellulose (1.53 U/mL), hydroxyethylcellulose (4.68 U/mL), birchwood xylan (3.16 U/mL), oat spelt xylan (3.29 U/mL), Sigmacell type 50 (0.10 U/mL), cellobiose (0.19 U/mL), and p-nitrophenyl-glucopiranoside (0.31 U/mL). These values were then expressed in relation to the amount of protein and compared those of Trichoderma reesei cellulases (Celluclast 1.5L FG, Novozymes). Both enzyme complexes were shown to have similar total cellulase and xylanase activities. Analysis of substrate hydrolysates demonstrated that P. echinulatum enzymes have higher beta-glucosidase activity than Celluclast 1.5L FG, while the latter appears to have greater cellobiohydrolase activity. Unlike Celluclast 1.5L FG, P. echinulatum cellulases had enough beta-glucosidase activity to remove most of the cellobiose produced in hydrolysis experiments. However, Celluclast 1.5L FG became more powerful than P. echinulatum cellulases when supplemented with exogenous beta-glucosidase activity (Novozym 188). Both cellulase complexes displayed the same influence over the degree of polymerization of cellulose, revealing that hydrolyzes were carried out under the typical endo-exo synergism of fungal enzymes.