Saccharification of ozonated sugarcane bagasse using enzymes from Myceliophthora thermophila JCP 1-4 for sugars release and ethanol production

•Myceliophthora thermophila JCP 1-4 is a new enzymes source for biomass hydrolysis.•A fast 8 h hydrolysis was enough for ozonated sugarcane bagasse saccharification.•The fungus was highlighted as a glucose isomerase producer, releasing fructose.•Ozonated sugarcane bagasse acted as enzymes activities activator during hydrolysis.•Hydrolysate from ozonated bagasse was greatly fermented for bioethanol production.

The saccharification of ozonated sugarcane bagasse (SCB) by enzymes from Myceliophthora thermophila JCP 1-4 was studied. Fungal enzymes provided slightly higher sugar release than commercial enzymes, working at 50 °C. Sugar release increased with temperature increase. Kinetic studies showed remarkable glucose release (4.99 g/L, 3% w/w dry matter) at 60 °C, 8 h of hydrolysis, using an enzyme load of 10 FPU (filter paper unit). FPase and β-glucosidase activities increased during saccharification (284% and 270%, respectively). No further significant improvement on glucose release was observed increasing the enzyme load above 7.5 FPU per g of cellulose. Higher dry matter contents increased sugars release, but not yields. The fermentation of hydrolysates by Saccharomyces cerevisiae provided glucose-to-ethanol conversions around to 63%.