Organisms work together to decompose cellulose: earthworm

Earthworm activity, fungi, and microbes in the guts of earthworms efficiently decompose cellulose through microbial succession.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Other organic compounds

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Lignin hydrogels, degradation of cross-linked adhesions, biodegradable products.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

Earthworms assist in degrading cellulose through cellulose enzymes in their guts, by dispersal of fungal spores, and by changing the structure of the substrate which stimulates fungal growth. Fungi make important contributions in the initial stage of decomposition; then bacteria become principal decomposers. (Summarized from Aria et al. 2006)

About the inspiring organism

Lumbricus
Lumbricus

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Lignin hydrogels, degradation of cross-linked adhesions, biodegradable products.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Biotechnology, Wood technology, Construction, Biodegradation, Waste treatment, Manufacturing

Experts

Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal
Jorge Domínguez
Universidade de Vigo

References

Aira, M.; Monroy, F.; Domínguez, J. 2006. Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) activates fungal growth, triggering cellulose decomposition during vermicomposting. Microbial Ecology. 52: 738-46.

Organisms work together to decompose cellulose: earthworm

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