A multistage process to enhance cellobiose production from cellulosic materials.

Cellobiose, a disaccharide, is a valuable product that can be obtained from cellulose hydrolysis. In this study, a simple methodology is presented to enhance the production and improve the selectivity of cellobiose during enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. The approach consisted of a multistage removal of filtrate via vacuum filtration and resuspension of the retentate. By this process, the remaining solid was further hydrolyzed without additional enzyme loading. Compared to the continuous hydrolysis process, the production of cellobiose increased by 45%. Increased selectivity of cellobiose is due to the loss of beta-glucosidases in the filtrate, while enhanced productivity is likely due to mitigated product inhibition.