초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Considering the growing importance of biofuels in Brazil and throughout the world, and taking into account that glycerol is a surplus byproduct of biodiesel production, the present study aimed to evaluate the production of cellulases and xylanases by <I>Peniciliium echinulatum</I>, mutant strain S1M29, using different concentrations of glycerol as a carbon source in combination or not with cellulose. Experimental use of 50% glycerol and 50% cellulose showed promising FPA activity, however, this was only approximately 50% of that obtained by previous studies employing only cellulose as a carbon source. More relevant was the fact that the enzyme broth prepared with 50% glycerol and 50% cellulose proved to be efficient in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses, especially for elephant grass pretreated by steam explosion.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Glycerol, a residue of biodiesel production, is an inducer for endoglucanase, β-glucosidase and xylanase production. </LI> <LI> Enzyme broth produced with glycerol and cellulose can be used in the hydrolysis of sugar cane bagasse and elephant grass. </LI> <LI> The use of glycerol increases enzyme productivity and makes the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes less expensive. </LI> </UL> </P>