Enzymatic Actions on Lignocellulosic Biomass
During the enzymatic hydrolysis step, a series of different enzymes with varying functions degrade cellulose and hemicellulose gradually into fermentable sugars glucose, xylose, and other minor sugars [1]. This enzyme cocktail includes exoglucanases, endoglu — canases, в-glucosidases, xylanases, and a number of other biocatalysts working synergistically [2]. The major procedural mechanistic action of these enzymes on cellulose and hemicellulose are briefly outlined in Figure 6.2 and will be presented in detail in the following sections. Enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass for cellulosic ethanol production is reviewed in a number of excellent review articles [3, 1, 2, 4, 5].