Impact of phenolic compound as activators or inhibitors on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose

The influence of phenolic compounds on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was studied in depth using spectrophotometric techniques, adsorption analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In this paper for the first time, both possible interactions between phenolic compounds and the enzyme or the substrate were investigated, with the use of various phenolic compounds, cellulase from T. reesei, and Avicel as cellulose source. Three classes of phenolic compounds have been identified, based on their effect on the hydrolysis of cellulose: inhibitors (quercetin, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, luteolin, ellagic acid), non-inhibitors (p-coumaric acid, rutin, caffeic acid), and activators (ferulic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, vanillic acid). Secondly, since various structures of phenolic compounds were tested, a structure - action comprehensive correlation was possible leading to the conclusion that an -OCH3 group was necessary for the activating effect. Finally, based on the adsorption spectra and unique SEM images, a different way of adsorption (either on the enzyme or on the substrate) was noticed, depending on the activating or inhibiting action of the phenolic compound.

Automated summary

Different classes of phenolic compounds have distinct effects on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, acting as activators or inhibitors. The presence of the -OCH3 group is found to be crucial for the activating effect of phenolic compounds. Adsorption analysis and SEM images indicate that the activating or inhibiting action of phenolic compounds can lead to different adsorption modes, either on the enzyme or on the substrate.