Lignocellulolytic enzymes from Thermophiles

Abstract

Thermophilic microorganisms are considered as the important source for the production of novel enzymes for various industrial applications including degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. Bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass has gained significant attention for the synthesis of bio-based products by focusing on its three major components, i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Thermophiles (optimally grown at 60 ± 80 ℃) obtained from hot springs are of great interest for providing novel thermostable enzymes that can catalyze under harsh conditions comparable to those existing in various industrial processes. Metagenomic studies helps in identifying lignocellulolytic enzymes with novel properties from the culturable and unculturable micro-organisms. In this chapter, the biotechnological significance of thermostable lignocelluloses degrading enzymes will be briefly discussed particularly cellulases, xylanases and laccases.