High pressure treatment as a tool for engineering of enzymatic reactions in cellulosic fibres

► The ultrahigh pressure (UHP) treatment was applied to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan. ► UHP treatment allowed the substantial improvement of xylan accessibility in cellulosic fibers. ► The initial hydrolysis rate of xylan by xylanase was increased up to 10 fold. ► The extent of hydrolysis can be controlled varying the pressure and the time of UHP treatment. ► The UHP is a prominent tool to obtain fiber products with tailored properties.