Application of thermoalkalophilic xylanase from Arthrobacter sp MTCC 5214 in biobleaching of kraft pulp

A thermoalkalophihc and cellulase-free xylanase produced from Arthrobacter sp. MTCC 5214 by solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as a carbon source was evaluated for prebleaching of kraft pulp. The UV absorption spectrum of the compounds released by enzyme treatment showed a characteristic peak at 280 nm, indicating the presence of lignin in the released colouring matter. Enzymatic prebleaching of kraft pulp showed 20% reduction in kappa number of the pulp without much change in viscosity. Enzymatic treatment reduced the amount of chlorine by 29% without any decrease in brightness. The viscosity of xylanase treated pulp was 4.0 p, whereas the viscosity of the pulp treated exclusively with chlorine was 4.1 p. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.