Kinetics and rate of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in supercritical carbon dioxide

Experiments were carried out on the application of supercritical fluid to t he hydrolysis of cellulose by the enzyme, cellulase. The stability of cellu lase was sustained at the pressures of up to 160 atm for 90 min at 50 degre esC in supercritical carbon dioxide. In the hydrolysis of cellulose the glu cose yield was 100% at supercritical condition. Kinetic constants of hydrol ysis at supercritical condition were increased as compared to those at atmo spheric condition. The hydrolysis reaction was found competitively inhibite d by glucose at supercritical condition.