Sugarcane bagasse degradation and characterization of three white-rot fungi

► Lentinula edodes LE16 was the best fungus for selective delignification. ► Polyphenol oxidase and MnP activities are reported in L. edodes on sugarcane bagasse firstly. ► PPO as one of the primary ligninolytic enzymes is the first report. ► Role of esterase in degrading the hemicellulose-lignin matrix was confirmed. ► Lignin selective removing could be reached by controlling biodegradation process.