Characterization of a novel thermostable α-l-arabinofuranosidase for improved synergistic effect with xylanase on lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis without prior pretreatment

•A thermostable α-l-arabinofuranosidase, Abf4980, was identified for bioprocessing.•Abf4980 degraded water-soluble wheat arabinoxylan into arabinose and xylose.•Abf4980 had a synergistic effect with CbXyn10C on wheat arabinoxylan degradation.•Abf4980 and CbXyn10C efficiently hydrolyzed unpretreated wheat bran and corn cob.