Combination effect of pH and acetate on enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis

The productivity and eficiency of cellulase are significant in cellulose hydrolysis. With the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), the pH value in anaerobic digestion system is reduced. Therefore, this study will find out how the pH and the amount of acetate influence the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. The effects of pH and acetate on cellulase produced from Bacillus coagulans were studied at various pH 5–8, and acetate concentrations (0–60 mmol/L). A batch kinetic model for enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis was constructed from experimental data and performed. The base hypothesis was as follows: the rates of enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis rely on pH and acetate concentration. The results showed that the suitable pH range for cellulase production and cellulose hydrolysis (represents eficiency of cellulase) was 2.6–7.5, and 5.3–8.3, respectively. Moreover, acetate in the culture medium had an effect on cellulase production (KI = 49.50 mmol/L, n = 1.7) less than cellulose hydrolysis (KI = 37.85 mmol/L, n = 2.0). The results indicated that both the pH of suspension and acidogenic products influence the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in an anaerobic environment. To enhance the cellulose hydrolysis rate, the accumulated acetate concentration should be lower than 25 mmol/L, and pH should be maintained at 7.