Chitosanolytic Characteristics of Cellulases from Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma reesei

The chitosanolytic capabilities of cellulases, glucosidases, proteases and commercial enzymes were evaluated, and effective chitosanolytic cellulases from T. viride, T. reesei and Celluclast, a commercial enzyme from T. reesei were characterized. The reaction of cellulase from T. viride, T. reesei and Celluclast was optimal at pH 5. 0 and . Max. chitosanolytic activities of cellulases from both T. viride and T. reesei were observed at the enzyme/chitosan ratio=0.1 and chitosan concentration=3.0%. For the possible application of commercial Celluclast to chitosan oligosaccharides production, 3%(w/v) chitosan was reacted with 1%(v/v) Celluclast at pH 5.0 and . The apparent viscosity decreased by 98% within 30 minutes reaction and Max. contents of 50% EtOH solubles were 70% at 15 hrs reaction. Total reducing sugars were also increased with reaction time and maintained approx. 13.5% after 2hrs reaction. In 15 hrs treated chitosan hydrolyzates, various kinds of chitosan oligosaccharides were produced and contents of chitosan hexamer, known for its antitumor activities, were about 8.0%, about 4 times higher values compared with acid hydrolysis method. The results suggested that chitosan oligosaccharides could be produced with low-cost cellulases from T. reesei.