Xylans inhibit enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials by cellulases

► Xylan clearly inhibited the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose by cellulase. ► Xylan clearly inhibited the cellulose hydrolysis by individual EGII, CBHI and CBHII. ► The solubility of oat spelt xylan did not clearly affect the hydrolysis of cellulose. ► After the addition of xylans, cleaved cellobiose units by CBHI from cellulose chain decreased.