Single-Step Fiber Pretreatment with Monocomponent Endoglucanase: Defibrillation Energy and Cellulose Nanofibril Quality

The combination of enzymatic pretreatment cellulose fibers followed by mechanical defibrillation has become a green and low-energy route to obtain nanofibrils (CNF). However, the variability in properties as-produced CNF remains major challenge that needs be addressed for any application realized. Herein, we study effect monocomponent endoglucanase (EG) on energy consumed as well physical obtained CNF. This single-step (0.5–25 EGU/g 1–3 h) reduces (by up 50%) at nearly 100% yield similar morphology, size, crystallinity compared absence pretreatment. Under mild conditions (5.6 1 h), aiming minimize consumption while preserving rheological properties, EG increased water retention value, reduced molecular weight, promoted structural surface modification (amorphogenesis), without significant solubilization. In addition, carbohydrate binding module was found improve interaction catalytic core with substrate. factors considered here boosts enzyme even if used low loadings, facilitating high-yield, more sustainable production