The Use of Trichoderma spp. for the Bioconversion of Agro-Industrial Waste Biomass via Fermentation: A Review

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This manuscript provides a comprehensive summary of the utilization of the Trichoderma genus for the biotransformation of waste biomass, with a focus on applications such as cellulase production, biocontrol agent production, and animal nutrition. While the review is thorough in its coverage, there are several areas where it could be enhanced in terms of innovation and significance.The manuscript mainly reiterates known information about the utilization of different waste biomass by Trichoderma. While the abstract mentions that Trichoderma can secrete lignocellulase, which implies its potential to utilize lignocellulosic waste biomass, this insight is not sufficiently emphasized in the main text.The sections on cellulase production, biocontrol agent production, and animal nutrition merely summarize the use of different waste biomasses by Trichoderma without providing in-depth analysis or critical evaluation. They fail to reflect the author's views and insights, which are crucial for a comprehensive review.Consequently, this manuscript, in its current form,is not recommended for publication in this journal.

1. Abstract: It is recommended to clearly state the significance of this review and the main content of the article

2. Introduction: The last paragraph does not make clear the meaning and content of the manuscript.

3. Cellulase production: Municipal waste is not classified as agricultural or industrial waste biomass. Municipal waste is a separate category, which doesn't match the title. 

4. Table 1 Suggest providing specific enzyme activity

5. Table 2 It is recommended to provide specific efficiency

6. Engineering Trichoderma strains for lignocellulosic degradation: This section mainly reviews the use of genetic engineering techniques to improve the enzyme activity of Trichoderma. This section tends to be attributed to cellulase production.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The manuscript is generally well-written and understandable. However, there are several areas where the quality of the English language could be improved for better clarity and readability.

Author Response

Please see attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Overall, this is a very good review manuscript about the utilisation of Trichoderma spp. for the bioconversion of agro-industrial waste biomass via fermentation, specifically about the production of cellulases as well as other applications.

Very minor corrections, as shown below

Pay attention to scientific names (always in italics), several issues with this all along the manuscript.

Page 3: it says: “Research efforts on achieving ..different agro-industrial waste groups (Table 1)”. Full stop is missing. Also, is it possible to add the short paragraph summarising the Table information (highlights or synthesised info).

Page 20: “52.7 mg kg−1”, I suggest to use mg/kg instead. Make it uniform all along the manuscript.

Something I’m missing is regarding the production and application of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases by Trichoderma strains which also have an important role in the cellulose degradation alongside cellulases. I think it would be worth mentioning this in an additional paragraph, explaining this and how this complements cellulases activity.

Author Response

Comment 1: Pay attention to scientific names (always in italics), several issues with this all along the manuscript.

Response 1: The manuscript has been thoroughly reviewed, and all scientific names have been italicized

Comment 2: Page 3: it says: “Research efforts on achieving ..different agro-industrial waste groups (Table 1)”. Full stop is missing. Also, is it possible to add the short paragraph summarising the Table information (highlights or synthesised info).

Response 2:  A sentence briefly introducing the table content has been added (page 8, line 340-342 of revised manuscript).

Comment 3: Page 20: “52.7 mg kg−1”, I suggest to use mg/kg instead. Make it uniform all along the manuscript.

Response 3: The manuscript has been carefully revised, and all units of measurement have been standardized.

Comment 4: Something I’m missing is regarding the production and application of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases by Trichoderma strains which also have an important role in the cellulose degradation alongside cellulases. I think it would be worth mentioning this in an additional paragraph, explaining this and how this complements cellulases activity.

Response 4: A paragraph briefly discussing the role of accessory proteins, including LPMOs, has been now included in the manuscript (page 7, line 309-328 of revised manuscript)