Synergistic action of xylanase and mannanase improves the total hydrolysis of softwood

► Linear correlation between solubilisation of cellulose and hemicelluloses. ► Hydrolysis of both hemicelluloses enhanced hydrolysis of cellulose synergistically. ► Hemicellulolytic enzymes increased also the hydrolysis of the other hemicellulose. ► Synergism observed suggests that cellulose, xylan and glucomannan are interlinked. ► Xylanolytic and mannanolytic enzymes necessary to obtain high yields on softwood.