value-added bio-based products. In this study, a structurally and
functionally stable thermophilic lignocellulose degrading microbial
consortium MC3F was obtained, as shown by 16S rDNA DGGE
and cellulolytic activity analyses. The microbial consortiumshowed
efficient degradation on potential biorefinery feedstocks, including
bagasse, rice straw, corn stover and industrial eucalyptus pulp
sludge with the overall lignocellulose degrading capability comparable
to the previously reported microbial consortium bred from
rice straw compost [6] and the recently reported undefined mixed
culture from compost [33]. The degradation efficiency of the consortium
was also comparable to that of the synergistic aerobic
bacterial consortium under the defined experimental conditions;
however, with less incubation time used in our experiment [34]. In
addition to an increased cellulose degradation efficiency compared
with isolated strains [12], native mixed culture is also advantageous
for application under starting aerobic static conditions, thus avoiding
the complication of establishing a strict anaerobic environment,
as required for isolated anaerobic clostridial species in degrading
lignocellulosic biomass.