Automatic assay of cellulase activity during fermentation

An automatic method using dyed cellulose as a substrate was developed to determine the solubilizing activity of a cellulase complex. The automatic analyzer was connected to a fermentor and enzyme activity was successfully assayed during fermentation. A useful sampling arrangement was developed and the analysis was sensitive enough to make a short reaction time possible. Cellulase production with Trichoderma viride was used as a model process.