Cellulase activities in biomass conversion: measurement methods and comparison

Author: Dashtban Mehdi   Maki Miranda   Leung Kam Tin   Mao Canquan   Qin Wensheng  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 0738-8551

Source: Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, Vol.30, Iss.4, 2010-12, pp. : 302-309

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Abstract

Cellulose, the major constituent of all plant materials and the most abundant organic molecule on the Earth, is a linear biopolymer of glucose molecules, connected by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose requires mixtures of hydrolytic enzymes including endoglucanases, exoglucanases (cellobiohydrolases), and β-glucosidases acting in a synergistic manner. In biopolymer hydrolysis studies, enzyme assay is an indispensable part. The most commonly used assays for the individual enzymes as well as total cellulase activity measurements, including their advantages and limitations, are summarized in this review article. In addition, some novel approaches recently used for enzyme assays are summarized.