Xylanase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum produces xylooligosaccharides from wheat xylans under simulated human...

Xylans are polysaccharides composed of β-1,4-linked D-xylose units. Xylanases are used in animal feed to reduce digesta viscosity, enhance nutrient absorption, and likely produce prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOS). With the rise in consumption of plant-based diets by humans, optimizing dietary fiber hydrolysis for improved gut microbiota health is increasingly relevant. This study evaluated TLX, a xylanase preparation from Trichoderma longibrachiatum (TLX), with xylan-rich foods like wheat and rice under human gastric and intestinal conditions using the INFOGEST in vitro Static Digestion Model. TLX efficacy was assessed through HPLC, viscometric testing, and LC-MS. Results demonstrated that TLX significantly substantially increased prebiotic XOS DP2-6 and xylose production and reduced viscosity on wheat-based substrates. TLX exhibited substrate specificity by releasing 350-fold more total XOS DP2-10 from bran muffin than from rice. These findings highlight the potential of TLX to enhance fiber digestibility and prebiotic availability in plant-based diets.