Tween 80 enhancing cellulase recyclability during activation of dissolving pulp

Enhancing cellulase recyclability is a promising approach to reducing the high enzyme cost for activation of dissolving pulp. For this purpose, Tween 80, an amphiphilic surfactant, was employed to facilitate cellulase recovery from fibers. Results indicated that the Cellulase–Tween complex was formed (with a particle size increase of 140%) through a hydrophobic interaction. A much lower maximum binding capacity and affinity (i.e., absorption ability) of cellulase onto fibers (6.03 versus 24.3 mg protein/g cellulose and 7.45 versus 13.8 ml/mg protein) were achieved for the complex in comparison with the control. The recovered cellulase activity was increased up to 65.7% from the control one in five consecutive recycle rounds with Tween 80 addition. As a result, the recovered cellulase efficiency was improved in terms of viscosity and reactivity. Other properties, such as α-cellulose content, alkaline solubility, molecular weight distribution, morphology, and crystalline structure, were all supported by the positive effect of Tween 80 in cellulase recycling.