ADSORPTION OF CELLULASES ON STEAM-PRETREATED WILLOW

The adsorption of cellulases on steam-pretreated willow has been measured for 2, 4, and 8 wt% willow and with varying enzyme concentrations (2-100 wt% based on substrate). The enzyme concentration was measured as soluble protein, filter paper activity (FPA), CMC-ase activity, and activity toward willow. The adsorption data were modeled with a Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capability depends on the method for measurement of the enzyme concentration. The lowest value, 470 mg enzyme/g willow, was obtained for the soluble protein and the highest value, 650 mg/g, for the FPA. For technical applications, a single isotherm can be used for calculation of the adsorption capability of steam-treated willow. © 1990 Humana Press Inc.