Commercially Important Enzymes

Enzymes are the biological molecules that accelerate the rates of chemical reactions in all living organisms. Similar to other catalysts, enzymes catalyze the chemical reactions without getting consumed during the reactions. All the enzymes are typified by having a high degree of specificity for their substrates and the chemical reactions they catalyze. Due to high specificity, enzymes do not produce nonessential by-products. The performance of an enzyme can be modulated by other molecules viz. activators and inhibitors. Critical parameters viz. temperature, pH and substrate concentration also play a vital role in enzyme activity.

Enzymes, naturally occurring protein molecules, are produced by all living organisms. Enzymes have been exploited in many biotechnology industries to exhibit wide range of commercial applications. For many centuries, enzymes have been deployed without even understanding their complete mode of action and properties. The first industrial enzyme `Taka-diastase’ was produced in 1894. It is still used as an ingredient in medicines. In the present time, microorganisms are the most significant source for large scale industrial production of enzymes. Genetic engineering includes the tools to optimize microorganisms for the increased production of desired enzymes.

Enzymes have extensive range of commercial applications. They have become an integral part of the industrial products. They are widely used in the medical field, improvement of environment, detergents, food industry, paper and pulp industry, textile industry, brewing industry and in scientific research.

This book congregates the recent published works on commercially important enzymes. The aim is to help students and researchers in keeping abreast with the scientific developments in the field. The first two chapters discuss the broad view of enzymes and their industrial relevance. In chapters 3-5, medical applications of L-asparaginase, clostridial collagenase and hyaluronidase, respectively are discussed. The chapter 6 features the role of microbial enzymes in the bioremediation of pollutants. In chapters 7 and 8, the application of enzymes in the improvement of environment is described. Detergents industry is currently one of the largest application areas for enzymes. The role of enzymes in the detergents industry is described in chapters 9 and 10. Chapter 11 discusses the application of tannase in the clarification of grape juice. The effect of enzymes on pulp and paper industry is described in chapters 12 and 13. Potential application of the enzymes in the textile industry is discussed in the last two chapters of the book.