Studies on xylan hydrolases from different strains of Streptomyces and their mutual influences in the breakdown of xylan.

A good proportion of Sreptomyces isolates from natural sources produced extracellular xylan hydrolase. Nineteen isolated showing high activity were able to completely or partially degrade wheat bran in the growth medium. Chromatographic analysis of commercial xylan degradation products suggested that the isolates produced either endo- or exo-xylan hydrolases or their mixtures. Mixed additions of culture fluids showed a highly synergistic effect, up to an increase by 200%. In a few cases antagonism was seen which, however, could be removed by dialysis of the culture fluid.