Residual lignin in pretreated biomass impedes its enzymatic hydrolysis. Non-ionic surfactants are known to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass but their mechanisms of action are incompletely understood. This study investigates the effect of the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 on the adsorption of cellulases onto model lignin substrates. Lignin substrates were prepared by spin coating from organosolv lignin (OL), kraft lignin (KL), and milled wood lignin (MWL). The substrates were characterized in terms of functional group distribution, surface energy, and surface roughness. Tween 80 and cellulase adsorption onto the lignin substrates were analyzed by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Both, Tween 80 and cellulases adsorbed onto the lignin substrates. For OL and KL substrates, treatment with Tween 80 solution prior to cellulase adsorption caused partial removal of lignin molecules from the substrates and an increase in cellulase adsorption. MWL substrates were stable toward Tween 80 solution and showed reduced cellulase adsorption after Tween 80 treatment.

Effects of the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 on the adsorption of cellulases onto lignin substrates

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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