Abstract
Trichoderma spp. are known to produce enzymes with high xylanolytic activity. Different xylanases and various components of their xylanolytic system have been identified and purified. Some of the xylanases have been characterized extensively with respect to their physicochemical, hydrolytic, and molecular properties. Cellulase-free xylanase preparations have been tested successfully in industrial applications such as the prebleaching of kraft pulps in the pulp and paper industry. Future work on understanding the functional significance of xylanase multiplicity, the mechanisms of xylanase prebleaching, and the structural conformation of xylanases could lead to improved or alternative applications of Trichoderma xylanases.