Biodegradation of Residues from the Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) Essential Oil Extraction and Their Potential for Enzyme Production Using Native Xylaria Fungi from Southern Ecuador

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In this Manuscript (MS) – Fermentation-558318, the Authors focused on Fungal Degradation and enzymatic production using essential oil extraction from the Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens). The authors discuss an interesting topic about the dynamics of degradation of lignin and cellulose in solid biodegradation using residues from the extraction of essential oil of Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). The comparatively high levels of lignin and cellulose show the potential of this resource for the production of methane and ethanol as well as for the production of enzymes for industrial purposes.

To my suggestion for review MS, I only have one remark. Authors can correct figures from Figure 2 to Figure 4. For example, Figure 2 can be enlarged to the maximum page size to make it clearer. The graphs of Figures 3 and 4 can be made in a different color and with thicker and dense lines, which will improve their visualization and easier perception.

Author Response

Dear Kaitlyn Wu,

We appreciate the constructive comments of the editor and reviewers dedicated to our manuscript.

Attached to this cover letter, you find the response to the reviewer comments highlighted in a different color “green”. Briefly, we have assumed all of the reviewers concerns and comments and modified the required parts accordingly. The title of the manuscript was adjusted, figure 2 extended and figures 3-4 colored to improve visualization and perception.

We hope that the changes improved the quality of our manuscript and it can be considered for publication in “Fermentation” now.

Looking forward to your decision,

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Vinicio Carrión Paladines

To my suggestion for review MS, I only have one remark. Authors can correct figures from Figure 2 to Figure 4. For example, Figure 2 can be enlarged to the maximum page size to make it clearer. The graphs of Figures 3 and 4 can be made in a different color and with thicker and dense lines, which will improve their visualization and easier perception.

Thanks for your positive comment. We extended Figure 2 and also marked the sequences in their respective color. The same colors were used for Figure 3-4 to improve visualization and to facilitate their perception.

Reviewer 2 Report

The aim of this research was to examine fungal degradation and enzymatic production using residues from the Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) essential oil extraction. It is an interesting topic and the manuscript can be accepted in the current form for publication in Fermentation journal.

Author Response

Dear Kaitlyn Wu,

We appreciate the constructive comments of the editor and reviewers dedicated to our manuscript.

Attached to this cover letter, you find the response to the reviewer comments highlighted in a different color “green”. Briefly, we have assumed all of the reviewers concerns and comments and modified the required parts accordingly. The title of the manuscript was adjusted, figure 2 extended and figures 3-4 colored to improve visualization and perception.

We hope that the changes improved the quality of our manuscript and it can be considered for publication in “Fermentation” now.

Looking forward to your decision,

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Vinicio Carrión Paladines

The aim of this research was to examine fungal degradation and enzymatic production using residues from the Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) essential oil extraction. It is an interesting topic and the manuscript can be accepted in the current form for publication in Fermentation journal.

Thanks for your assessment! The manuscript was revised by a native speaker to improve English spelling.

Reviewer 3 Report

The research question of this manuscript is novel and has a significant value. The findings contribute to the scientific literature. However, there are some sections that need some revision;

The title of this manuscript is vague. Please revised to clearly explain the research. The language of certain section in this manuscript should be thoroughly revised.

Methodology is well presented and clear. Results and discussion section is through and well presented. Especially the results are related to the research question. The findings support the conclusions. With some modifications and revision to the above mentioned points, this manuscript can be approved for publication.

Author Response

Dear Kaitlyn Wu,

We appreciate the constructive comments of the editor and reviewers dedicated to our manuscript.

Attached to this cover letter, you find the response to the reviewer comments highlighted in a different color “green”. Briefly, we have assumed all of the reviewers concerns and comments and modified the required parts accordingly. The title of the manuscript was adjusted, figure 2 extended and figures 3-4 colored to improve visualization and perception.

We hope that the changes improved the quality of our manuscript and it can be considered for publication in “Fermentation” now.

Looking forward to your decision,

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Vinicio Carrión Paladines

The research question of this manuscript is novel and has a significant value. The findings contribute to the scientific literature.

Thank you!

However, there are some sections that need some revision;

The title of this manuscript is vague. Please revised to clearly explain the research. The language of certain section in this manuscript should be thoroughly revised.

The title was adjusted to describe more precisely the research. Furthermore, the manuscript was revised by a native speaker to improve English spelling.

Methodology is well presented and clear. Results and discussion section is through and well presented. Especially the results are related to the research question. The findings support the conclusions. With some modifications and revision to the above mentioned points, this manuscript can be approved for publication.

Thank you again!