Does saprotrophic fungi remove lignin from paper pulp?
Saprotrophic fungi can degrade lignin, a complex polymer found in plant cell walls, but their effectiveness in removing lignin from paper pulp specifically can vary. While some fungi produce enzymes capable of breaking down lignin, the process is typically slower compared to industrial methods used in paper production. In biopulping, certain fungi are employed to enhance delignification, but they are not the primary agents for lignin removal in standard paper pulp processes. Overall, while saprotrophic fungi can contribute to lignin degradation, they are not the main method for lignin removal in paper making.