Effect of electron-beam irradiation pretreatment on the enzymatic hydrolysis of softwood†

Spruce wood chips were irradiated with 4-MeV electrons using the Chalk River Electron Test Accelerator. The irradiation pretreatment increased the susceptibility of wood to be crushed to a fine powder and consequently increased the surface area for enzymatic action. The amount of reducing sugar formed from treated chips by Trichoderma cellulase increased with increasing level of irradiation and reached a maximum value (over 90%) at approximately 2 mGy. Results demonstrate the feasibility of using electron beam pretreatment for enzymatic hydrolysis of a softwood.