Use of cellobiohydrolase-free cellulase blends for the hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose and sugarcane bagasse pretreated by either ball milling or ionic liquid [Emim][Ac]

- CBH was not required to efficiently hydrolyze amorphous IL-treated cellulose.
- CBH activity was necessary to hydrolyze BM-treated bagasse.
- Low CBH loads can hydrolyze IL-treated sugarcane bagasse.
- A crystalline residue was obtained after hydrolysis of the BM-treated substrates.
- IL greatly increased the specific surface area of both substrates, while BM did not.