Response surface methodology was used as an optimization tool for the production of short chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) using the commercial cellulolytic enzyme preparation, Rohapect CM. Three independent variables, temperature, concentrations of sucrose and enzyme were tested in the reaction medium. The responses of the design were, yield (g sc-FOS/100 g initial sucrose), 1-kestose (g/100 g sc-FOS) and volumetric productivity (g sc-FOS/L h). Significant effects on the three responses included a quadratic effect (temperature), a linear effect (sucrose and enzyme concentrations) and an interaction between temperature and sucrose concentration. The cost-effective conditions to support the process in a high competitive market were 50 degrees C, 6.6 TU/mL enzyme, 2.103 M sucrose in 50 mM acetate buffer at pH 5.5, and the synthesis for a 5 h reaction time. Under these conditions, a high Y(P/S) (63.8%), Q(P) (91.9 g/L h) and sGF2 (68.2%) was achieved. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.