4. Conclusion
This is the first report to show efficient fermentability of lignocellulosic
biomass by the white rot fungus T. hirsuta. T. hirsuta is
capable of assimilating a broad spectrum of carbon sources and
shows favorable fermentability to xylose, which is abundant in
agricultural residues such as wheat bran and rice straw. Thus, T.
hirsuta appears to be a promising microorganism for the production
of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. Further studies are
required to improve the bioethanol yield and productivity of this
microorganism. The direct conversion of ethanol from lignocellulosic
biomass by the naturally occurring basidiomycete fungus will
be a key advantage for bioethanol production by consolidated bioprocessing
because overall costs will be lower, the environmental
footprint of the production will be reduced, and the use of hazardous
chemicals will not be required.