Acid Cellulase

Acid cellulase is an enzyme complex that hydrolyzes cellulose into glucose under acidic pH conditions. It is a vital tool in industries processing plant biomass, especially where cellulosic material (bagasse, grain husks, molasses residues) needs to be broken down into fermentable sugars.

• Enzyme class: Hydrolase (EC 3.2.1.4)

• Primary activity: Breaks β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose

• Optimal pH: 4.0 – 5.5

• End products: Glucose, cellobiose

• Derived from: Fungi like Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus niger

• Lignocellulosic ethanol: Converts agro-waste (bagasse, corn stover, rice husk) into fermentable sugars

• In saccharification step of SSF (Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation)

• Increases overall ethanol yield

• Reduces viscosity and improves substrate flow

• Treats bagasse, filter cake, and trash to release entrapped sugars

• Enhances sugar recovery from molasses and fibrous residues

• Helps in clarification and reduction of non-sugar solids

• Applied to grain or molasses-based mash

• Breaks down residual cellulose in grain husks or pressmud

• Increases fermentable carbohydrate availability

• Improves fermentation efficiency and alcohol recovery

• Typical dosage: 0.1 – 0.5% w/w of dry substrate

• pH range: 4.0 – 5.5 (optimum)

• Temperature: 45°C – 60°C

• Retention time: 2–6 hours (varies by substrate & enzyme strength)