Residual liquid media after cultivation of seventeen selected WRF from six genera (Pleurotus, Grifola, Auricularia, Polyporus, Trametes, and Lentinula) were evaluated for β-glucosidase activity. β-Glucosidase activity in the extracts was assayed at 37^oC for 30 minutes, using p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside as substrate (prepared in 50 mM sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.0). The extracts showed significant difference at p < 0.5 in their total protein and carbohydrate contents. Most of the secretions exhibited pH optima between 4.5 and 5.0, and temperature optima at either 60 or 70^oC. Using non-linear regression fit analysis, V_max values ranged from 6.4 - 291 ug 30 min^-1, while K_m values ranged from 0.51 to 660 uM. The β-glucosidase activity in extracts showed significant but negative correlations with carbohydrate content.

This information will constitute part of the fundamental basis for selecting WRF that could be used individually or in combination with other organisms, for bioconversion of biomass to fermentable sugars and other bio-product.