Description
Cellulase, CAS 9012-54-8, refers to a complex of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose, a major structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, into smaller oligosaccharides, cellobiose, and eventually D-glucose. These enzymes are not typically a single entity but rather a synergistic system often including endoglucanases, exoglucanases (cellobiohydrolases), and beta-glucosidases. Cellulases are primarily produced by fungi (e.g., species of Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium) and bacteria (e.g., species of Bacillus, Clostridium, Cellulomonas). Due to their ability to break down cellulosic materials, cellulases have a vast range of industrial applications, from food processing and textiles to biofuel production and detergent formulations. The activity and specificity of commercial cellulase preparations can vary widely depending on their source and intended use.
Properties
Property Value CAS Number 9012-54-8 EC Number Primarily EC 3.2.1.4 (Endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase); also includes EC 3.2.1.91 (Cellulose 1,4-β-cellobiosidase) and EC 3.2.1.21 (β-Glucosidase) Common Sources Fungi (Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus niger), Bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) Appearance Typically a light tan to brown powder, or a liquid concentrate (color may vary) Activity Units Filter Paper Units (FPU)/g or /mL, Carboxymethylcellulase Units (CMCU)/g or /mL, International Units (IU)/g or /mL, etc. Optimal pH Varies by source and specific enzyme components; generally in the range of pH 4.0 – 7.0 (acidic to neutral cellulases are common) Optimal Temperature Varies by source and specific enzyme components; generally in the range of – Solubility Soluble or dispersible in water; insoluble in most organic solvents Formulations Available as powders, granules, and liquid concentrates. Molecular Weight Highly variable, as it’s a complex of different enzymes (individual components can range from ~20 kDa to >100 kDa) Stability Stability depends on the source, formulation, and storage conditions. Typically more stable when stored cool and dry. Usage
Cellulase enzymes are utilized across a broad spectrum of industries due to their cellulose-degrading capabilities:
- Food and Beverage Industry:
- Juice and Wine Production: Increases juice yield from fruits and vegetables, enhances clarification, and can improve color and aroma extraction.
- Example: Used in apple or berry processing to maximize juice extraction.
- Brewing: Improves wort filtration and can release fermentable sugars.
- Olive Oil Extraction: Enhances oil yield and quality.
- Cereal Processing: Modifies texture in baked goods and breakfast cereals.
- Textile Industry:
- Biostoning/Denim Finishing: Creates a “stone-washed” look on denim fabrics with less damage than pumice stones and reduces backstaining.
- Example: Used in garment finishing for jeans.
- Fabric Softening and Color Brightening: Removes microfibrils from cotton and other cellulosic fabrics, resulting in a softer feel, brighter colors, and reduced pilling.
- Pulp and Paper Industry:
- Deinking of Recycled Paper: Facilitates the removal of ink particles from waste paper pulp.
- Fiber Modification and Drainage Improvement: Modifies pulp fibers to improve paper strength and manufacturing efficiency.
- Animal Feed Industry:
- Improved Digestibility: Breaks down cellulose in plant-based feed ingredients, making nutrients more available for livestock and poultry.
- Example: Added to poultry feed to improve digestion of grains.
- Biofuel Production:
- Cellulosic Ethanol: A key enzyme in the conversion of cellulosic biomass (e.g., agricultural waste, wood chips) into fermentable sugars, which are then converted to ethanol.
- Detergent Industry:
- Cleaning Power and Fabric Care: Added to laundry detergents to remove particulate soil, prevent pilling, restore color brightness, and soften fabrics.
- Example: Found in both powder and liquid laundry detergents.
- Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry:
- Digestive Aids: Included in enzyme supplements to help digest plant fibers and improve nutrient absorption, particularly for individuals with digestive issues.
- Example: Component in multi-enzyme digestive supplements.
- Waste Management and Composting:
- Accelerates the decomposition of organic plant waste.
- Research and Development:
- Used in laboratories for studies on cellulose structure, biomass conversion, and enzyme mechanisms.
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