The influence of the fine structure of cellulose on the action of cellulases

Abstract

In the hydrolysis of cellulose with enzymes of Aspergillus niger at 47 C., it was shown that a great decrease in the rate occurred in the late stage of the reaction, usually with considerable cellulose still remaining undissolved. The most important factor contributing to this lowered rate was shown to be a decrease in the reactivity of the residual cellulose during the course of the reaction, but the activity of the enzyme solution itself decreased somewhat during the course of the reaction. Inactivation of the enzyme by heat and inhibition by the presence of glucose were both shown to contribute to the loss in activity, with the former being somewhat more important, As the enzyme hydrolysis progressed the moisture regain values for the undissolved residues decreased.