Recycling of cellulases in lignocellulosic hydrolysates using alkaline elution

► Our aim was to implement the usage of recycled enzymes in industrial 2nd generation bioethanol production. ► After alkaline treatment enzymes return to their original conformation when placed at pH 4.8. ► It is possible to recover about 60% of Cel7A bound to the final lignocellulosic hydrolysates. ► After alkaline treatment Cel7A doesn't lose enzymatic activity on the 4-MU-cellobioside on filter paper. ► A more efficient hydrolysis of the straw implies a higher percentage of Cel7A recovery.