Microbes have been used dating all the way back to ancient times throughout human civilization. The first reported commercial use of yeast, which is a microbial enzyme, has been traced back to as early as 6000 BC when the Babylonians and Sumerians used the yeast to produce alcoholic beverages from barley. In today’s world, microbial enzymes are used globally in a variety of different industries, including agriculture, medicine, food, chemicals, and even energy. More and more industries are using microbial enzymes because they reduce the processing time of products, require less energy input, are more eco-friendly, non-toxic, and more cost-effective. Also, since the advent of recombinant DNA technology as well as protein engineering, a microbe can be changed and manipulated as well as cultured in large quantities to meet the increased demand of the various industries. This is excellent because there is an increasing demand for consumer goods as well as a need for cost reduction in the production of those goods, depletion of natural resources, and environmental safety. Basically, the entire global market for industrial enzymes is rapidly growing and has been since 2015.
Enzymes are biological molecules that are protein-based, with the exception of ribozymes, and they can act as a catalyst to support nearly all chemical reactions that are required to sustain life. They are very specific and can accelerate the rate of each reaction by lowering the activation energy level without any permanent changes happening to them. They are also easy to store because they only require milder temperature conditions, as well as pressure for catalyzing or actions, and they can be used as an alternative option instead of hazardous chemical pollutants since they are non-toxic and biodegradable.
What are the Types of Microbial Enzymes for Industrial Use?
There are several types of microbial enzymes that are for industrial use, and we will take a look at each type below.
Protease
Throughout the world in a variety of different industries, chemicals are being used which is adversely affecting the health of people and the environment. Microbial enzymes, such as proteases, are used in a variety of different products, including leather, textile, detergent, waste, and more. Proteins can be found in plants, animals, and microbes and are a great alternative to chemicals since they are eco-friendly.
When it comes to the industrial use of proteases, they are one of the most used enzymes throughout the world, accounting for about 20 percent of the 60 percent of enzymes that are marketed throughout the world. Proteases can be isolated and even purified in a short amount of time, so they are much easier to use and save time and money.
Lipase
Lipases are very versatile enzymes and are used in an array of different industrial processes since they can be derived from vegetables, animals, and microbiological sources. Lipases are multipurpose biological catalysts that are very suitable for a variety of chemical reactions which is what makes them so versatile. They are great for use in several industries and certain products, such as biodiesel fuels, a variety of foods and drinks, leather, textile, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and other medically related products. Lipase enzymes are also used in the dairy industry as well as in animal feed, cleaning products, and cosmetics and perfumes.
Xylanase
Xylanase is another microbial enzyme that comes from plants and has a variety of uses. It is produced by bacteria, fungi, yeast, marine algae, protozoans, insects, seeds, snails, and other things except for mammals because they do not produce Xylanase. there are many commercial uses for this particular microbial enzyme. For example, it is used to bleach wood pulp in the paper making process and increases the digestibility of silage within fermentative composting. Xylanases are used as food additives in poultry as well as wheat flour in many baked products. It is also used in the extraction of coffee along with plant oils and even starch. It can improve the nutritional properties of agricultural silage and grain feed. It is expected that in the future, xylanase will be used in the production of biofuel from otherwise unusable plant matter.
Cellulase
A naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down cellulose, cellulase is what gives wood so much of its strength. It is used in the textile and paper industries as well as in farming and agriculture, the making of biofuel, and in a variety of food industries. It also helps reduce chances of fabric turning gray so it is commonly added two laundry detergents as well as cleaners. It is also used as a bleach alternative. It is a renewable resource that can be produced from several different types of bacteria and almost all types of fungi, plants, and animals.
Beta Mannanase
Beta-mannosidase is an enzyme that is produced in a variety of plants and animals. This type of enzyme can help control PH levels in products as well as the temperature, so it works well in several different types of industries and products, including the food industry, biorefinery, textile products, animal feed, paper and pulp, and even in several types of detergents and cleaners.
Phytase
Phytase is a microbial enzyme that can be found in a variety of plant tissues, especially in grains and oil seeds, and it can release inorganic phosphorus that is usable. It can also be produced from fungi, bacteria, and animals that are ruminants, such as cows and sheep. It is used as a supplement in animal feed, especially in pigs, hogs, and poultry, since it helps to enhance the nutritional value of the feed. Phytase is also used to help increase the absorption of minerals, such as iron, zinc, and calcium and is oftentimes used in medications.
It is very important that when it comes to purchasing microbial enzymes for industrial use, they are sourced from a trustworthy and professional source, such as American Bio Systems, to ensure the authenticity and quality of the products.
