Enzyme Explorer · Biomass & fibres
Cellulase
Choose cellulase around your endpoint: release fermentable sugars, modify paper fibres or refine a textile surface. A commercial cellulase blend and a single endoglucanase answer different process questions.
01 / Understand the chemistry
How does cellulase work?
Endoglucanases cut internal bonds in accessible cellulose. Cellobiohydrolases release cellobiose from chain ends, while β-glucosidase converts soluble cellobiose to glucose. EC 3.2.1.4 describes endoglucanase activity; complete saccharification normally requires complementary activities.
Bind accessible cellulose
The enzyme contacts an exposed glucan chain. Crystallinity, lignin and pretreatment affect whether it can reach the substrate.
Process schematic · symbols represent substrates and products, rather than an atom-by-atom chemical structure.
02 / Select by outcome
Cellulase applications in industry and research
Start with the result you need, then choose the enzyme grade and the measurement.
Release sugars for fermentation.
MEASURE SUCCESSMeasure glucose, glucan conversion and fermentation performance.
PROCESS DECISIONCombine endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase and β-glucosidase; consider hemicellulases for mixed feedstocks.
Modify fibres or improve a defined pulp-processing endpoint.
MEASURE SUCCESSMeasure drainage, fibre length, pulp viscosity, strength and yield.
PROCESS DECISIONAvoid excessive hydrolysis that weakens fibres.
Control surface fibrils and fabric appearance.
MEASURE SUCCESSMeasure pilling, colour, weight loss and tensile strength.
PROCESS DECISIONValidate the enzyme grade and treatment stop on the actual fabric.
03 / Methods & measurement
How to measure cellulase activity
Use CMC-based assays for a defined endoglucanase readout and filter-paper methods for a broader cellulase-system assessment. DNS estimates reducing sugars; a validated glucose assay or HPLC is needed when glucose or the sugar profile is the endpoint.
Make a better selection
What matters when choosing a grade?
A high activity on soluble CMC does not establish a high conversion of crystalline cellulose. Record the exact substrate, unit definition and assay conditions.
Confirm source, grade, activity method, formulation, storage and compatibility. Use stability data for the selected preparation; an optimum measured for one protein does not define every product’s operating window.
From screening to production
Plan a useful cellulase trial
Set a matched control
Use your actual material. Keep pH, temperature, residence time and mixing identical in the untreated control, so physical processing effects are separated from enzyme action.
Screen dose and time
Compare a dose ladder and take a time course. State activity units and their assay definition, and express dose against a clear feedstock or process basis.
Validate the endpoint
Measure glucose, glucan conversion and fermentation performance. Assess retained activity, downstream quality and cost per useful outcome before increasing scale.
04 / Go deeper
Cellulase guides and scientific resources
ExPASy ENZYME ↗
Accepted reaction and EC nomenclature. Reaction summaries adapted; CC BY 4.0.
BRENDA ↗
Organism-specific functional data and original literature references.
RCSB PDB ↗
Experimental structural record used in the molecular view.
UniProt ↗
Individual protein sequences and functional evidence.
Cellulase: common selection questions
What does cellulase produce?
Endoglucanases cut internal bonds in accessible cellulose. Cellobiohydrolases release cellobiose from chain ends, while β-glucosidase converts soluble cellobiose to glucose. EC 3.2.1.4 describes endoglucanase activity; complete saccharification normally requires complementary activities.
How do I test cellulase for my process?
Use CMC-based assays for a defined endoglucanase readout and filter-paper methods for a broader cellulase-system assessment. DNS estimates reducing sugars; a validated glucose assay or HPLC is needed when glucose or the sugar profile is the endpoint.
What should I check before buying cellulase?
A high activity on soluble CMC does not establish a high conversion of crystalline cellulose. Record the exact substrate, unit definition and assay conditions. Share your feedstock, operating conditions, target outcome and required documentation when requesting a grade recommendation.
Discuss your cellulase application
Tell us your substrate, process conditions and target outcome.