Methods for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose
AssigneeAthenix Corporation
InventorsNicholas B. Duck, Brian Carr, Michael G. Koziel, Nadine Carozzi, Brian Vande Berg
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Abstract
Compositions and methods for biomass conversion are provided. Compositions comprise novel enzyme mixtures that can be used directly on lignocellulose substrate. Methods involve converting lignocellulosic biomass to free sugars and small oligosaccharides with enzymes that break down lignocellulose. Novel combinations of enzymes are provided that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. Also provided are methods to identify enzymes, strains producing enzymes, or genes that encode enzymes capable of degrading lignocellulosic material to generate sugars.
Claims16
A method for degrading lignocellulose to sugars, said method comprising contacting said lignocellulose with at least one auxiliary enzyme and at least one cellulase for a time sufficient to liberate said sugars, wherein at least 20% of said sugars are liberated in the absence of high temperature and pressure.
A method for degrading a stover to sugars, said method comprising contacting said stover with a xylanase and a cellulase for a time sufficient to liberate said sugars, wherein at least 20% of said sugars are liberated in the absence of high temperature and pressure.
The method of 13, wherein said xylanase is an endoxylanase.
The method of 14, wherein said cellulase is an endocellulase.
The method of 14, wherein said cellulase is an exocellulase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.