Production and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Eucalyptus Dissolving Pulp Using Endoglucanases from Myceliophthora thermophila

Endoglucanase (EG) is a key enzyme during enzymatic preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Myceliophthora thermophila is a thermophilic fungus that has thermal properties and a high secretion of endoglucanases (EGs), and could serve as potential sources of EGs for the preparation of CNCs. In this work, four different GH families (GH5, GH7, GH12, and GH45) of EGs from M. thermophila were expressed and purified, and their enzymatic characteristics and feasibility of application in CNC preparation were investigated. It was shown that the MtEG5A from M. thermophila has good potential in the enzymatic preparation of CNCs using eucalyptus dissolving pulp as feedstock. It was also observed that there was a synergistic effect between the MtEG5A and other MtEGs in the preparation of CNCs, which improved the yield and properties of CNCs obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis. This study provides a reference for understanding the enzymatic characteristics of different families of EGs from M. thermophile and their potential application in nanocellulose production.

Automated summary

In this study, EGs from M. thermophila belonging to four different GH families were expressed and purified, and their enzymatic characteristics and feasibility in CNC preparation were investigated. It was found that MtEG5A from M. thermophila showed great potential in enzymatic preparation of CNCs using eucalyptus dissolving pulp as feedstock. The study also revealed a synergistic effect between MtEG5A and other MtEGs, leading to improved yield and properties of CNCs obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. This research provides valuable insights into the enzymatic characteristics of different families of M. thermophile EGs and their potential application in nanocellulose production.