초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We aimed to use physical methods of microalgal biomass rupture to study saccharification strategies using free and immobilized amylolytic enzymes. The biomass of <I>Spirulina platensis</I>, which consists of 50–60% carbohydrates, was exposed to physical cell rupture treatments, with better results obtained using freeze/thaw cycles following by gelatinization. In saccharification tests, it was possible to hydrolyze <I>Spirulina</I> biomass with hydrolysis efficiencies above 99% and 83%, respectively, using 1% (v/v) of free enzymes or 1% (m/v) of amylolytic enzymes immobilized together. The use of free and immobilized enzymes yielded high levels of conversion of polysaccharides to simple sugars in <I>Spirulina</I> biomass, showing that these processes are promising for the advancement of bioethanol production using microalgal biomass.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The enzymes presented equal optimal pH and temperature for starch and <I>Spirulina</I>. </LI> <LI> Co-immobilization of enzymes presented better results than separately immobilization. </LI> <LI> We added the amylolytic enzymes concurrently in the beginning of saccharification. </LI> <LI> We obtained hydrolysis efficiencies of 83% and 99% using immobilized or free enzymes. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>