Introduction ............................................................. 1459
2. Structure of lignocellulose ....................................................... 1459
3. Obstacles for hydrolysis of lignocellulose and the role of pretreatments.................................. 1460
4. Enzymes required to degrade lignocellulose .............................................. 1461
5. Synergy studies............................................................ 1462
5.1. Synergy studies using cellulases................................................. 1462
5.2. Synergy studies using hemicellulases .............................................. 1463
5.3. Synergy of enzymes in degradation of complex lignocellulose substrates.............................. 1463
6. Factors to be considered in synergy studies ............................................... 1466
6.1. Measurement of synergism—degree of synergy.......................................... 1466
6.2. Hydrolysis yield/efficiency of bioconversion ........................................... 1467
6.3. Selection of enzymes ...................................................... 1468
6.4. Enzymes and whole cell synergy ................................................ 1469
6.5. Sequential or simultaneous synergy ............................................... 1469
6.6. Role of carbohydrate binding domains (CBMs) in synergy..................................... 1470
6.7. The role of multifunctional enzymes (enzymes with cross-specificity) ............................... 1470
6.8. Reactor conditions that affect hydrolysis—pH, temperature and mixing .............................. 1470
6.9. Inhibitors and feedback inhibition................................................ 1471
6.10. Drying of substrate....................................................... 1471
6.11. Productive and non-productive adsorption of enzymes onto substrates and recycling of enzymes .................. 1472
6.12. Enzyme and substrate loadings ................................................. 1472
6.13. Enzyme ratios ......................................................... 1473
6.14. The role of surfactants and additives .............................................. 1473
7. Model for enzyme synergy approach to bioconversion ......................................... 1474
8. Future perspectives .......................................