Nov 20, 2020
Testing For Cellulose Degradation
- Jiri Hulcr1
- 1University of Florida
- Protocols Bark Beetle Mycobiome
Document Citation: Jiri Hulcr 2020. Testing For Cellulose Degradation. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bnurmev6
License: This is an open access document distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Created: October 23, 2020
Last Modified: November 20, 2020
Document Integer ID: 43633
Abstract
This protocol describes how to test for cellulose degradation using the congo red method.
This protocol is part of the Bark Beetle Mycobiome (BBM) Research Coordination Network. For more information on the BBM international network: Hulcr J, Barnes I, De Beer ZW, Duong TA, Gazis R, Johnson AJ, Jusino MA, Kasson MT, Li Y, Lynch S, Mayers C, Musvuugwa T, Roets F, Seltmann KC, Six D, Vanderpool D, & Villari C. 2020. Bark beetle mycobiome: collaboratively defined research priorities on a widespread insect-fungus symbiosis. Symbiosis 81: 101–113 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-020-00686-9.
Cellulose Degradation Test using the Congo Red method
Isolate possible cellulose degraders on CMC (5 g/L & salts, false positives possible).
Use Carboxymethyl cellulose media for Congo Red test – grow isolate in the plate center for a week, overlay with Congo Red, wash with water, wash with salt (3M NaCl), check for clearing. When isolating cellulose degrading bacteria from wood, it’s good to add antifungal antibiotics, otherwise Trichoderma takes over.