SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF CELLULOLYTIC AND PECTINOLYTIC ENZYMES IN DEGRADING SUGAR-BEET PULP

Three cellulases, one hemicellulase and three pectinases were used, se parately or in binary and ternary combinations, to hydrolyze dried bee t-pulp, a by product of the Sugar industry. By IE-HPLC the composition s and concentrations of the sugars released were determined. The resul ts obtained by enzymatic saccharification were compared to those obtai ned by acid hydrolysis. The synergistic action of cellulolytic and pec tinolytic enzymes in release of total monosaccharides, and of glucose, arabinose and galacturonic acid was also studied. The combination of cellulose, hemicellulase and pectinase, commercially available, was as effective in degrading the beet pulp as the acid hydrolysis. Pectinas e appeared to be the most important enzyme, since by hydrolyzing the p ectic surface of the lignocellulosic substrate, it favoured the degrad ation of cellulose and hemicellulose by the respective enzymes. (C) 19 97 Elsevier Science Ltd.