Co-Authors:
Weinberg, Z.G., Department of Microbiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Szakacs, G., Department of Microbiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Linden, J.C., Department of Microbiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Tengerdy, R.P., Department of Microbiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Abstract:
Simultaneous lactic acid fermentation and enzyme hydrolysis by cell wall degrading enzymes (ENLAC for short) was tested for improving the recovery of cell content, such as protein and chlorophyll, from alfalfa. Alfalfa was ensiled with the addition of 1.0% (wet weight) of a variety of commercial enzymes or enzyme cocktails. The best result was achieved by the addition of a 1:1 mixture of Novo Viscozyme (containing mainly hemicellulases, cellulases, and pectinases) and Novo Celluclast 1.5 L or Genencore Cellulase 150 L (containing T. reesei cellulases). ENLAC improved the recovery of protein by 160%, chlorophyll by 240%. The same enzyme treatment in a 24-h reaction without ensiling resulted in only a 14% increase in protein recovery. ENLAC provided optimal acidic conditions for enzyme action, and due to the preservation of the plant material during ensiling, it made possible the efficient use of a low concentration of enzymes during a longer reaction time, compared to conventional 24-h enzyme treatments. © 1990.