MODELING FOR OPTIMIZATION OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS OF CELLULOSE

Intrinsic kinetics of the cellulase enzyme complex as observed with hydrolysis of non-crystalline cellulose was investigated. Effect of reaction intermediates and products on intrinsic kinetics was assessed, isolating external factors such as mass transfer effects, physical properties of substrate, etc. Based on these observations a comprehensive reaction mechanism was proposed. The model predictions of cellulose, cello-oligosaccharides, cellobiose and glucose profiles, show a good agreement with experimental data. Sensitivity analysis was performed on each model parameter; this analysis provides some insights into the yield of glucose in the enzymatic hydrolysis.