Estimation of fungal growth on lignocellulosic substrates using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Summary The feasibility of using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantifying the growth ofThielavia terrestris on cellulosic substrates was studied. WhenT. terrestris was grown, using glucose as the substrate, the ELISA readings correlated well with the mycelial dry weight values. When lignocellulosic substrates were used, the ELISA appeared to slightly overestimate fungal growth. The ELISA values indicated that the fungi grew more slowly on steam-treated aspenwood than on commercial sources of cellulose (Avicel).