Thermostable and alkaline-tolerant cellulase-free xylanase produced by thermotolerant Streptomyces sp. Ab106.

Cellulase-free xylanase was produced by Streptomyces sp. Ab106 using cane bagasse as the substrate at 55 degrees C. Its maximum activity was 13 IU without cellulase and mannanase activities. Its profiles were investigated. Its optimum temperature and pH were 60 degrees C and 6.0, respectively. More than 70% of its activity was remained at 60 degrees C at pH 9. This enzyme was quite stable and exhibited an active of more than 70% for 144 h at 60 degrees C, and of more than 80% for 144 h at 40 degrees C, pH 9. This thermo-tolerant and alkaline-tolerant xylanase can be used in the pulp bleaching process.