Cellulase

Cellulase is a type of glycoside hydrolase capable of hydrolyzing cellulose. It can be classified into two major categories based on its preferred pH range: acid cellulase and neutral cellulase. Acid cellulase has an optimum pH range of 3.0 to 5.0, making it suitable for catalytic activity under mildly acidic conditions. On the other hand, neutral cellulase has an optimum pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, allowing it to exhibit enzymatic activity under neutral conditions. Both types of enzyme cellulase share a similar optimum temperature range, typically between 45-55° C. They secrete various subtypes of cellulase, which cleave glycosidic bonds within cellulose molecular chains, generating oligosaccharides and other products. Both classes of cellulase require specific metal ions, such as Mn2+ and Zn2+, as cofactors to activate their enzymatic activity. Cellulase plays a crucial role in various industrial and biotechnological applications, facilitating cellulose degradation and promoting the efficient utilization of resources.

• Cellulase in feed industry plays a crucial role in enzyme complexes, effectively enhancing feed digestibility and thereby significantly increasing weight gain, milk production, and egg production in poultry and livestock.
• Cellulase in textile industry is used for finishing silk/linen knitted fabrics, aiding in the hydrolysis of surface fuzz, improving the texture of the fabric, reducing itching sensations, and maintaining the quality of silk, while also being applicable in processing denim fabrics for added softness, drape, and resistance to pilling.
• Cellulase in the brewing industry, especially in the production of white spirits or cassava alcohol using solid-state fermentation, breaks down cellulose into fermentable sugars, promoting the release of cellular contents and consequently increasing the alcohol yield.
• Cellulase in traditional Chinese medicine extraction is beneficial for disrupting dense cell wall structures, accelerating the release of medicinally active components, and enhancing extraction efficiency, with even better results when used in combination with pectinase.
• Cellulase in food processing holds potential applications such as improving juice extraction rates, softening plant tissues, and facilitating soybean peeling.