In this study, we investigated the performance of lignocellulosedegrading
enzymes excreted from T. reesei Aq-5b and T. viride
NSW-XM for hydrolysis of rice straw biomass. The results showed
the enzymes from T. reesei Aq-5b and T. viride NSW-XM performed
better that those from P. ostreatus. We further found that T. reesei
Aq-5b and T. viride NSW-XM, whencultured together, did not inhibit
each other. At optimal ratio, combination of T. reesei Aq-5b and
T. viride NSW-XM achieved best saccharification of rice straw.
Immobilization of fermentation yeasts (S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis
NSW-NW)stabilized the yeasts and facilitated reuse of the enzymes,
resulting in enhanced ethanol production efficiency and reduced
costs associated with enzyme use. Our study also demonstrated that
combining the two yeasts for effective ethanol production was feasible.
Production of ethanol from rice straw using microbial technology
offers viable solutions to the challenges faced by the current fuel
ethanol industry. However, further research on simultaneous saccharification
and co-fermentation is needed before the technology
can be commercialized.