A mathematical model for the inhibitory effects of lignin in enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosics

► Cellulose conversion was calculated at cessation of cellulase activity. ► Steam-exploded pine feedstock provided data for a worked example. ► Conversion at relatively low enzyme loading characterized enzyme deactivation. ► Conversion at relatively high enzyme loading characterized cellulose occlusion. ► Enzyme requirements doubled when the temperature was raised from 30 °C to 50 °C.