Abstract: A neutral cellulase was introduced to optimize the saccharification process of neutral steam exploded corn stover. It was found that the neutral cellulase was affected equally in the non-buffer and buffer system under the natural condition. Further investigation showed that xylase, β-glucosidase, and Tritonx-100 have positive effects on the saccharification in the system. In summary, an optimized enzymatic hydrolyzing condition for one gram neutral steam exploded corn stover (100 g/L) is obtained as follows: 10 FPU neutral cellulase complex, 75 IU β-glucosidase, 3 000 IU xylase and Triton-100 with 0.5 percent in volume. After 120 h incubation at 50 ℃ with 150 r/min,total biomass conversion is around 48.4%. The total biomass conversion and cellulose conversion rates are 56.0% and 64.9% when using two-step addition of the enzymes.

Key words: neutral cellulase, neutral steam exploded corn stovers, synergic effects, saccharification