Exploring strategies for the use of glycerol in the production of cellulases and xylanases, and the use of these enzymes in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

Considering the growing importance of biofuels in Brazil and throughout the world, and taking into account that glycerol is a surplus byproduct of biodiesel production, the present study aimed to evaluate the production of cellulases and xylanases by Peniciliium echinulatum, mutant strain S1M29, using different concentrations of glycerol as a carbon source in combination or not with cellulose. Experimental use of 50% glycerol and 50% cellulose showed promising FPA activity, however, this was only approximately 50% of that obtained by previous studies employing only cellulose as a carbon source. More relevant was the fact that the enzyme broth prepared with 50% glycerol and 50% cellulose proved to be efficient in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses, especially for elephant grass pretreated by steam explosion.