ENZYMATICALLY CATALYZED HYDROLYSIS OF CORN FIBER AND PRODUCTS OBTAINED FROM ENZYMATICALLY HYDROLYZED CORN FIBER

摘要

Disclosed is a method for treating a grain fiber, in particular corn fiber. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the fiber is subjected to alkaline hydrolysis in the presence of a hemicellulose ferulate esterase in an aqueous medium. The hemicellulose ferulate esterase is present in an amount effective to catalyze alkaline hydrolysis, and the alkaline hydrolysis is performed under conditions suitable to permit the hemicellulose ferulate esterase to catalyze alkaline hydrolysis. The initial pH of the aqueous medium is alkaline but is sufficiently low to permit the enzyme to have catalytic activity. Preferably, the pH is in the range from 8.0 to 9.5. From the product mixture thus formed, fiber oil, cellulose, hemicellulose, and other materials may be obtained.