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Lignin peroxidase (LiP), which has been studied extensively in white-rot Basidiomycetes with regard to bio-pulping and bio-bleaching, plays a role in the biodegradation of plant cell wall lignin. In the current study, LiP obtained from a wild isolate of Phanerochaete chrysosporium immobilized on polyurethane foam cubes was purified 21-fold using ammonium sulphate precipitation and size exclusion chromatography. The enzyme with a molecular mass of 55 kDa exhibited a considerably higher pH tolerance and thermostability compared with the native enzyme. It showed a strong affinity for the substrate veratryl alcohol and had kinetic constant values of 142.86 µmol and 65 µM. Cysteine, sodium azide, mercaptoethanol, and silver nitrate inhibited the activity, while ethanol, EDTA, Cu2+, Mn+, Na+, and Fe2+ exhibited induction. Purified LiP completely decolorized (100%) bromo phenyl blue, bromothymol blue, and bromocresol green. The 96 and 72% degradation obtained with phenol and congo red was also higher compared to crude LiP. Treatment with LiP showed reduction in ADL as compared to untreated straws, with a maximum of 2.87 units obtained in JR followed by 2.66 units in PS. The digestibility of all straws increased, the response varying from a maximum of 21.27 units in PRM to a minimum of 12.32 units obtained in LM.

White rot fungi (WRF) produce lignolytic enzymes comprised by laccases and peroxidases responsible for mineralization of recalcitrant lignin. Because of the so-called lignin modifying enzymes(LME’s), these fungi have potential applications in biodegradation and bioremediation processes. Increased demand for lignolytic enzymes to exploit their various applications has sparked interest in identifying and characterizing new novel strains of WRF. Despite this undisputed biotechnological significance, molecular identification of WRF, remains a daunting task for researchers as genomic DNA isolation is a tedious process, unsuccessful many a times because of their rigid and resistant cell walls. A rapid, effective and efficient method to identify the innumerable fungal strains within no time is the need of the hour. The fungal mycelia of various unknown as well as know isolates of WRF, after alternative washing with TE buffer and sterile water were suspended in TE buffer. Fungi in solution were then exposed to microwave. The crude extract contained genomic DNA which was extracted and amplified using ITS primers for further identification. Based on sequencing results the identity of known cultures was confirmed, while the unknown cultures were identified asClitopilus scyphoides(AGUM004, BankIt2098576 MH172163); Ganodermarasinaceum(AGUM007, BankIt2098576 MH172163);Schizophyllum sp(KONA001BankIt2098576 MH172164;AGUM011BankIt2098576 MH172165andAGUM021BankIt2098576 MH172166respectively),Coprinellus disseminatus(BANG001, BankIt2098576 MH172167) andLentinus squarrosulus(TAMI004, BankIt2098576 MH172167). The microwave method described for isolating quality DNA of WRF without further purification steps proved a novel method requiring less than ten minutes and minimized the chances of the presence of PCR inhibitors.IMPORTANCEWhite rot fungi which decay wood, possess selective lignin degrading enzymes responsible for degrading a wide variety of environmental pollutants, xenobiotic compounds in addition to mineralizing chemicals that are insoluble and recalcitrant. Lignolytic enzymes hold potential towards replacing conventional chemical processes and their increased demand in the market has ignited interest in identifying and characterizing new strains of WRF. A rapid, efficient method capable of quickly identifying fungal isolates is a constraint. The microwave method is a novel quick method for isolating superior quality DNA. Its adoption circumvents the initial purification steps and /or interference of PCR inhibitors, which are encompassed in the use of conventional methods. The microwave method thus permits the thorough amplification of the ITS region thereby aiding in the easy identification of unknown species. Use of the microwave method will permit researchers to obtain DNA from fungi very quickly for further application in molecular studies.

Pentose based prebiotic xylooligosaccharides attracts greater attention around the world because it exhibits several beneficial effects to the host. Therefore, an in vivo experiment was carried out to reveal the effects of corn husks derived xylooligosaccharides in broiler chicken. The day-old broiler chickens (96; divided into 2 groups) were raised for 3 weeks on control diet or same diet supplemented with 0.5% xylooligosaccharides (XOS); derived from corn husks. In order to produce the XOS, xylan was extracted from the corn husks by alkaline extraction. The xylan was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis at pH 5.8, temperature 44°C, enzyme dose of 5.7U/ml for 17h to yield XOS. The concentrated XOS was supplemented in the diet of broiler chicken during the entire experimental periods. Albeit, no positive influence was noticed on either the live weight or feed conversion efficiency, but 0.5% XOS supplementation resulted in to selective stimulation of Bifidobacteria, coupled with reduction in the population of Streptococci and E. coli in the caecum of broiler chicken. In line with the caecal microflora changes, blood biochemical profiling reflected reduced cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentration as a result of XOS supplementation. Thus, corn husks derived XOS showed positive influence on caecal microflora and blood biochemical profile in broiler chicken and could be incorporated in the diets for ensuring beneficial effects.