Autohydrolysis pretreatment of corncob for cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei MUM 97.53

Abstract

Microbial cellulase production has attracted great attention due its several applications. In this context, studies that become this practice feasible are very important. Corncob is an inexpensive byproduct, which contains more than 30% of cellulose; however, this material is not readily available to enzymatic hydrolysis and pretreatment of lignocellulosic material in autohydrolysis processes become this more easy. The inclusion of this pretreated material in the nutrient media can be a strategy to increase and undervalue cellulase production. The best pretreatment conditions for total cellulase (FPase), β-glucosidase and exoglucanase (avicelase) were obtained using the solid fraction pretreated at 200ºC for 30 or 50 minutes. It was not detected endoglucanase production (CMCase) using corncob without treatment. However, its induction was observed when T. reesei was cultivated with the corncob liquid fraction obtained after 30 minutes of pretreatment, mainly at 200ºC, where the production was maximal.