Investigating lignin and hemicellulose in white rot fungus-pretreated wood that affect enzymatic hydrolysis

► Selective delignification and hemicellulose removal were performed on bio-treated residues. ► Lignin in fungi-pretreated residues played a dominant role in hindering enzymatic hydrolysis. ► Fungal pretreatment prefer to integrate with alkaline pretreatment to maximize the synergy.