Xylanase Enzyme

Xylanase is a hemicellulolytic enzyme that breaks down xylan, a major component of plant hemicellulose, into xylose and other oligosaccharides. It plays a crucial role in industries where fiber breakdown, viscosity reduction, and improved extractability are essential.

• Enzyme class: Glycoside hydrolase (EC 3.2.1.8)

• Function: Hydrolyzes β-1,4-xylosidic bonds in xylan

• End products: Xylo-oligosaccharides, xylose

• Source: Microbial (e.g., Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Bacillus species)

• Breaks down hemicellulose in biomass (grains, bagasse, corn stover)

• Enhances fermentable sugar release from non-starch polysaccharides

• Improves overall ethanol yield in lignocellulosic ethanol production

• Reduces viscosity of mash, improving mixing and heat transfer

• Applied during juice clarification (especially cane juice)

• Degrades xylans in sugarcane bagasse and pith

• Reduces non-sugar impurities that interfere with crystallization

• Increases sugar purity and recovery

• Supports reduced lime/sulfur use in clarification (eco-friendlier process)

• Used in grain distillation (e.g., wheat, corn, barley)

• Improves breakdown of fiber content in mash

• Enhances fermentable sugar availability

• Combined with amylase and protease for synergistic saccharification

• Eco-friendly bleaching of kraft pulp (biobleaching)

• Reduces chlorine consumption

• Improves pulp brightness and fiber quality

• pH Range: 4.5 – 6.5

• Temperature Range: 40°C – 60°C (thermostable variants available)

• Typical Dosage: 20–200 ppm, based on substrate and fiber content