ENZYME SYNERGISM: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR DECREASING ENZYME LOADING FOR EFFICIENT BIOMASS CONVERSION

摘要

Biomass conversion technologies for the production of fuels and value added products have rapidlyrngained support over the past few decades. The enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic wastes has been particularlyrnattractive, due to environmental and sustainability concerns. One of the major challenges in the production of costrneffective biofuel (via the enzymatic hydrolysis route) is the cost associated with enzymes and enzyme loading. Ourrnstudies, and those of others, have conclusively shown that the enzyme loading can greatly be reduced by combiningrnthe enzymes in optimal ratios so as to improve the enzyme conversion efficiency. In this mini-review, we willrnhighlight some of the major considerations that impact on enzyme synergism: enzyme selection, enzyme loading andrnratios, sequential versus simultaneous and successive synergy, non-productive adsorption and product inhibition.rnExamples of enhanced hydrolysis of various substrates, ranging from simple defined model substrates to complexrnnatural lignocellulosic substrates (feedstocks) are discussed. In each case, the enhanced production of sugars isrnclearly evident.