Processivity and enzymatic mechanism of a multifunctional family 5 endoglucanase from Bacillus subtilis BS-5 with potential applications in the saccharification of cellulosic substrates

Background Presently, enzymes still constitute a major part of the cost of biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Processive endoglucanases, which possess both endoglucanase and exoglucanase activity, have the potential to reduce the costs of biomass saccharification when used together with commercial cellulases. Therefore, the exploration of new processive endoglucanases has attracted much attention with a view to accelerating the industrialization of biofuels and biochemicals.