Improvement of the cellulose hydrolysis yields and hydrolysate concentration by management of enzymes and substrate input

In order to improve the hydrolysis of cellulose fiber and to obtain highly concentrated hydrolysate, two methods based on successive addition of enzyme and substrate were assessed.

The first method, which required only substrate addition, allowed to increase by 50% the hydrolysate concentration and to decrease by 30% enzyme units needed.

The second method highlighted the ability to reach very high concentrated hydrolysate (up to 170 g/l) by simultaneous addition of enzyme and substrate.

In parallel, relationships between some limiting factors and the yields of hydrolysis were investigated. In conclusion, viscosity evolution of cellulose suspension during hydrolysis step was investigated with an aim to improve the management of enzyme and substrate addition.