Saccharification of complex cellulosic substrates by the cellulase system from Clostridium thermocellum

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7150507

Johnson, E A; Sakajoh, M; Halliwell, G; Madia, A; Demain, A L

True cellulase activity has been demonstrated in cell-free preparations from the thermophilic anaerobe Clostridium thermocellum. Such activity depends upon the presence of Ca/sup 2 +/ and a thiol-reducing agent of which dithiothreitol is the most promising. Under these conditions, native (cotton) and derived forms of cellulose (Avicel and filter paper) were all extensively solubilized at rates comparable with cellulase from Trichoderma reesei. Maximum activity of the Clostridium cellulase was displayed at 70/sup 0/C and at pH 5.7 and 6.1 on Avicel and carboxymethylcellulose, respectively. In the absence of substrate at temperatures up to 70/sup 0/C, carboxymethylcellulase was much more unstable than the Avicel-hydrolyzing activity.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 7150507
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 43:5; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BACTERIA
BIOCONVERSION
CALCIUM
CARBOHYDRATES
CATIONS
CELLULOLYTIC ACTIVITY
CELLULOSE
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CLOSTRIDIUM
CLOSTRIDIUM THERMOCELLUM
DECOMPOSITION
DITHIOLS
ELEMENTS
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS
ENZYME ACTIVITY
HYDROLYSIS
IONS
LYSIS
METALS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
POLYSACCHARIDES
REAGENTS
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS
SACCHARIDES
SOLVOLYSIS
THIOLS