Enzymatic activities of Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from the air at waste landfills

Abstract

Out of 15 Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from the air at waste landfills, all revealed cellulolytic and lipolytic activities. Eleven out of 15 strains showed very strong cellulolytic properties, as assessed by the viscosimetric test for endo-1,4-beta-glucanase activity (EGA). None of the examined strains revealed a well-expressed proteolytic activity. The results suggest that Aspergillus fumigatus strains developing in stored wastes produce strong cellulotytic enzymes which need further studies for the potential allergenic and/or immunotoxic effects of these proteins on exposed workers.