The effect of pretreatment on the enzymic hydrolysis of cellulosic industrial waste

The enzymic hydrolysis of cellulosic waste material from industrial origins using commercial Tricoderma viride cellulase gave yields approaching 80% conversion following pretreatments. The yield was a function of the purity of the substrate and the pretreatments imposed. These included sterilisation, heating, ball‐milling and alkali treatment. Highest yields of glucose or enzyme hydrolysis were achieved with a 4% solka floc suspension following pretreatment in 5% alkali, when the enzyme mix was 0.22IU cm−3 of filter paper activity, 0.07IU cm−3Cx enzyme activity and 0.14IU cm−3 of β‐glucosidase activity. Kraft pulp also gave up to 75% yields by this method.