Cellulase activities in biomass conversion: measurement methods and comparison

Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2010 Dec;30(4):302-9. doi: 10.3109/07388551.2010.490938. Epub 2010 Sep 24.

Abstract

Cellulose, the major constituent of all plant materials and the most abundant organic molecule on the Earth, is a linear biopolymer of glucose molecules, connected by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose requires mixtures of hydrolytic enzymes including endoglucanases, exoglucanases (cellobiohydrolases), and β-glucosidases acting in a synergistic manner. In biopolymer hydrolysis studies, enzyme assay is an indispensable part. The most commonly used assays for the individual enzymes as well as total cellulase activity measurements, including their advantages and limitations, are summarized in this review article. In addition, some novel approaches recently used for enzyme assays are summarized.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomass*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Cellulase / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Assays / methods*
  • beta-Glucosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • beta-Glucosidase
  • Cellulase