*3.2.2.2 Enzymatic hydrolysis*

Enzymatic hydrolysis is a biological treatment process that utilizes enzymes for the digestion or modification of cellulose fibers to obtain pure cellulose. The common enzymes used for this process include; cellulase, endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase. The mechanism is complex but the enzymatic action is based on breaking or catalytic linking of H-bonds between the cellulose microfibers. The hydrolysis process is critical to the removal of hemicellulose, which protects cellulose from hydrolysis and the production of monosaccharides from hemicellulose for further fermentation to bioethanol. Cellulases and hemicellulases are structurally related both fundamentally and in relation to their reactant systems that typically function in synergy. Both enzymes are usually required for proficient hydrolysis of assorted lignocellulosic biomasses. The process of enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out under mild condition, but the reaction time required is much longer when compared to the acid hydrolysis process.
