B. Zhekova, G. Dobrev, V. Dobreva, M. Hadjikinova

Abstract. The main biochemical properties of an enzyme with carboxymethyl cellulase activity produced by Trichoderma reesei NRRL 3652 were studied. The enzyme exhibited activity against carboxymethyl cellulose, filter paper and displayed no activity against cellobiose, methyl glucoside and p-nitrophenyl-β-Dglucopyranoside. The influence of temperature and pH on the enzyme activity and stability was determined. The optimal pH value was pH 5.0 and the optimal temperature was 55-60 °C. Carboxymethyl cellulase was stable at pH 3.0 and pH 5.0 at 50 °C for up to 160 min. The enzyme decreased the viscosity of carboxymethyl cellulose solution, which was accompanied by an increase in the reducing sugars content. Carboxymethyl cellulase was applied in hydrolysis of bean hulls.