Enhanced Hydrolysis of Furfural Residues by Trichoderma cellulases with Addition of Natural Surfactant Tea Saponin

Effect of the natural non-ionic surfactant Tea Saponin on hydrolysis of furfural residues by cellulases from Trichoderma pseudokoningii and Trichoderma koningii was assayed. Glucose concentrations released by T. cellulases were 4.16 g/L and 1.92 g/L, respectively. The contents increased to 13.77 g/L and 6.23 g/L in the corresponding digests with addition of surfactant (12 g/L). Glucose yields were enhanced to 52.54% and 34.16% with the surfactant concentrations of 10.5 g/L and 12 g/L, respectively. The results indicated that Tea Saponin was beneficial for hydrolysis of furfural residues. Tea Saponin could maintain surface tension in a low level even it was hydrolyzed by cellulases, suggesting that the surfactant was suitable for lignocellulose saccharification industry.