High-level production of thermotolerant β-xylosidase of Aspergillus sp. BCC125 in Pichia pastoris: Characterization and its application in ethanol production

► Thermotolerant β-xylosidase from fungal origin was produced to highest yield. ► Enzyme efficiency (Kcat/Km) toward p-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside was superior. ► Simple enzyme production with high yield from Pichia pastoris was described. ► Synergism of xylanolytic activity contributed by β-xylosidase was demonstrated. ► Application in enzymatic conversion of xylan to ethanol was demonstrated.