Production of Ligninolytic and Cellulolytic Fungal Enzymes for Agro-Industrial Waste Valorization: Trends and Applicability

Cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes play a vital role in biomass valorization as they can hydrolyze cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, enabling eco-friendly carbohydrate utilization. This study aimed to analyze research on the production of cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes using fungal strains. In this review, scientific articles were searched using keywords related to cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes and the utilization of agro-industrial waste. Priority was given to information from peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2024. The primary findings highlight the high costs associated with enzyme production, which can be partly reduced by employing low-cost carbon sources like lignocellulosic biomass. Optimization processes were also identified as critical to enhancing efficiency by reducing fermentation times, lowering energy demands for temperature control, and minimizing the use of salts or other additives in the culture medium. Researchers have approached these optimizations using traditional one-factor-at-a-time methods and statistical tools such as response surface methodologies, suggesting practical routes to improve process sustainability.