Modelling of the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellobiose and cellulose by a complex enzyme mixture of Trichoderma reesei QM 9414

Abstract

The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellobiose and cellulose by the cell-free culture filtrate of Trichoderma reesei QM 9414 was investigated. The concentrations of cellobiose and glucose were measured as a function of time for different initial concentrations of cellobiose. It was not possible to describe these concentration variations by a model which considers only the cellobiase hydrolysis with competitive and noncompetitive substrate and product inhibition; it is necessary that the endo-β-1.4-glucanase with competitive product inhibition is also taken into account. The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose (Avicel) was described with a mathematical model by using the results of the decomposition of cellobiose by the same enzyme mixture. the identified model parameters are presented. A sensitivity analysis of the parameter was carried out also.