Hemicellulose removal on enzymatic hydrolysis

It has been reported (Grohmann et al., 1985, 1986) that hemicellulose removal substantially enhances cellulose digestion despite of high lignin content. It is believed  that hemicellulose in biomass blocks the contact of cellulase with cellulose by adsorbing enzyme and by physically blocking access of the cellulase to the cellulose surface. As a result, hemicellulose removal alone can increase the surface area and pore volume and makes cellulose more accessible to cellulase. It is suggested to remove at least 50% of hemicellulose to significantly increase cellulose digestibility.