Three species of fungi were grown on cellophane (as a model for cellulose).  Two of the species produce cellulase and are known cellulose decomposers:   Aspergillus and Armillaria.  The third species, Mucor, selected for comparison, does not degrade cellulose.  Surface interaction was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micro-FT-IR spectroscopy.  AFM images were obtained and analyzed.  Force maps indicate changes in adhesive force and roughness surrounding fungal hyphae of the cellulose decomposers.   To determine if the surface changes are due to enzymatic activity of the fungi, micro-FT-IR spectroscopy was employed.  Preliminary results indicate unique spectral signatures around the periphery of  Aspergillus and Armillaria hyphae.  The IR band believed to be associated with cellulase enzyme activity  is not found surrounding Mucor hyphae. Significant changes in the cellophane surface within 3-6 microns of the hyphal surface appear to be species specific and correlate with the capability of specific fungi to degrade cellulose.

Fungal hyphae surface interactions

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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