Iron and other metals such as manganese, play an important role in the metabolic functions of fungi that cause wood deterioration. These transition metals are also found in, or associated with, the extracellular fungal enzymes shown to be directly involved in the decay process. Recently our research group was able to show that siderophores (low molecular weight biological chelators) are produced by both brown and white rot fungi. These siderophores may function to scavenge transition metals for fungal metabolism and extracellular enzyme production. In addition, our preliminary work with the purified siderophores suggests that these compounds may play a more direct role in lignin modification, similar to that reported by other researchers investigating the properties of 'biomimetic' structures. Because of the low molecular weight of the siderophore-metal complex (500-1000 daltons), and the oxidizing potential of the bound transition metals, certain siderophore structures could also play a potential role in early stages of cellulose depolymerization by brown rot fungi. Developing a better understanding of the action of fungal siderophores, their role in scavenging metals for fungal metabolism, and their possible function directly in lignocellulose degradation, will help us to better understand how wood degradation occurs.

Download document (1 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document