Production and thermal stability characteristics of cellulase and xylanase enzymes from Thielavia terrestris

The production and thermal stability characteristics of cellulase and xylanase enzymes from a thermophilic fungus, Thielavia terrestris have been investigated. In addition, some results on the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw at high temperatures are also shown. The ..beta..-glucosidase activity of 0.9 I.U./ml was found in the culture filtrate, and this enzyme preserved 80% of its original activity after 40 h. of exposure at 60/sup 0/C. Hydrolysis of a 6.8% wheat-straw suspension yielded 26.4% saccharification within 6-8 h at 64/sup 0/C. The advantages of using thermostable cellulases and xylanases for the hydrolysis of cellulosics are discussed. 40 references, 11 figures, 6 tables.