The production of fermentable sugars from different fractions of bamboo shoots and mature bamboos
(Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens) by cellulase and/or xylanase was investigated. Aqueous ammonia
pretreatment exhibited high but different delignification capacities for different bamboo fractions.
Supplementation of cellulases with xylanase synergistically improved the glucose and xylose yields of
mature bamboo fractions. High hydrolyzability was observed in the hydrolysis of both non-pretreated
and pretreated bamboo shoot fractions, suggesting pretreatment was not necessary for the hydrolysis
of bamboo shoots. High hydrolyzability together with the advantages of low lignin content, fast growth,
and widely distribution demonstrated that bamboo shoots were excellent lignocellulosic materials for
the production of bioethanol and other biochemicals.