Myceliophthora thermophila syn. Sporotrichum thermophile: a thermophilic mould of biotechnological potential

Abstract

Myceliophthora thermophila syn. Sporotrichum thermophile is a ubiquitous thermophilic mould with a strong ability to degrade organic matter during optimal growth at 45 °C. Both genome analysis and experimental data have suggested that the mould is capable of hydrolyzing all major polysaccharides found in biomass. The mould is able to secrete a large number of hydrolytic enzymes (cellulases, laccases, xylanases, pectinases, lipases, phytases and some other miscellaneous enzymes) employed in various biotechnological applications. Characterization of the biomass-hydrolyzing activity of wild and recombinant enzymes suggests that this mould is highly efficient in biomass decomposition at both moderate and high temperatures. The native enzymes produced by the mould are more efficient in activity than their mesophilic counterparts beside their low enzyme titers. The mould is able to synthesize various biomolecules, which are used in multifarious applications. Genome sequence data of M. thermophila also supported the physiological data. This review describes the biotechnological potential of thermophilic mould, M. thermophila supported by genomic and experimental evidences.

• Biomolecules
• biotechnological applications
• hydrolytic enzymes
• Myceliophthora thermophila, Sporotrichum thermophile, thermophilic mould

Declaration of interest

The author acknowledges the financial assistance from University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi and Department of Science & Technology (DST), New Delhi, India during the course of writing this review.