초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Use of the same lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock for enzymes and ethanol production has been suggested as a lower cost option in future biorefineries. Here, we propose a closed-loop strategy to produce the cellulolytic enzymes required for biomass hydrolysis using sugarcane bagasse liquefied by a home-made enzymatic cocktail as carbon source and inducer. The fed-batch liquefaction conditions were firstly evaluated using commercial enzymes. Subsequently, the effects of different liquefied materials and solids loadings on endoglucanase production by <I>Aspergillus niger</I> cultivated in submerged fermentation were investigated. The liquefied bagasse produced using the home-made cocktail was more favorable for endoglucanase production, resulting in improvement up to 17%, compared to bagasse liquefied by commercial enzymes. The results indicated that liquefied bagasse produced by home-made enzymatic cocktail could provide a cost-effective carbon source and inducer for cellulolytic enzyme production, and could contribute to closing loops within the biorefinery, thus reducing costs and minimizing waste.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A closed-loop strategy is proposed for the production of cellulolytic enzymes. </LI> <LI> Liquefied bagasse was used as inducer and carbon source in the cultivation medium. </LI> <LI> Liquefactions were performed with commercial and home-made enzymatic cocktail. </LI> <LI> Bagasse liquefied by the home-made cocktail showed higher endoglucanase production. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>