Beta-glucosidases and nucleic acids encoding same

The present invention relates to the identification of a novel and improved beta-glucosidase producing strain of the fungus Aspergillus, namely Aspergillus saccharolyticus, which is efficient in the degradation of lignocellulosic biomasses into glucose for production of biofuels, biochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Several enzymes of the newly identified strain are efficient in degradation of lignocellulosic biomasses. In particular one enzyme has been identified and characterised as having improved beta-glucosidase activity. The identified beta-glucosidase has improved thermal stability, while maintaining its activity at a high level for a prolonged period of time compared to other fungal beta-glucosidases. This makes it a superior choice for degradation of lignocellulosic material.