Optimization of enzymatic ramie degumming using thermoalkaliphilic xylanase from Bacillus halodurans CM1 and a commercial pectinase

Abstract

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) is a versatile plant with potential as a cotton alternative in textiles. Its cellulose content, second only to cotton, requires degumming to remove fiber gum before industrial use. This study scaled up enzymatic degumming to 1 kg of ramie fiber, employing a dual enzyme approach: local Bacillus halodurans CM1 xylanase and commercial pectinase. This was optimized under varying conditions, including temperatures (30, 50, and 70 °C), durations (1, 2, and 3 h), and solid-liquid ratios (SLRs; 1:15, 1:22.5, 1:30), utilizing response surface methodology. Optimal outcomes were achieved at 50 °C and a 1:15 ratio, with a 3-h treatment duration, resulting in the highest reducing sugar yield (5.25 mg/mL) and a 102.03% enhancement in ramie fiber brightness compared to the enzyme-free control. This enzymatic process effectively separated gum from fibers while improving the quality, fineness, and tensile strength of cellulose fibers.

Keywords:

• Degumming
• pectinase
• ramie
• response surface methodology
• xylanase

Acknowledgment

Funding for this research was provided by the Research and Innovation Funding for Advanced Indonesia (RIIM) Research Grant from The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the project received support from The Ministry of Finance through the LPDP RIIM funding scheme. The authors extend their gratitude to PT. Chemira Indonesia for their collaboration and provision of essential in-kind materials.

Author contributions

Dadang Suhendar: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Data curation, Writing, Review, Supervision; Muhammad Dimas Azka Maulana: Investigation, Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing original draft; Kharis Yohan Abidin, Dewi Nandyawati, Haniyya: Investigation; Aji Sutrisno, Deden Rasyid Waltam, Nanik Rahmani, Edi Wahjono: Supervision; Catur Sriherwanto: Review, Editing, Revising; Dicky Adihayyu Monconegoro: Data analysis.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan.