Potential application of yeast cellulase-free xylanase in agrowaste material treatment to remove hemicellulose fractions

Yeast cellulase-free xylanase was used for treatment of different agricultural waste residues including corn cob powder, raw jute fibers and sugarcane bagasse pulp. The high degree of hydrolysis (19.4%) was achieved by using 22 IU ml−1 yeast xylanase in the case of treated bagasse pulp. Corn cob powder and raw jute fiber showed a slower rate of hydrolysis under the same conditions. The enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out using citrate buffer (50 m , pH 4.5) at 52–53°C for different time intervals. The hydrolysis products were analysed by HPLC, and xylose was found to be the major end product with traces of xylobiose and xylotriose at the beginning of hydrolysis.