Rumen: An underutilised niche for industrially important enzymes

Abstract

Rumen is one of the most underutilised microbial ecosystems, harbouring a diverse population of microbial species. These species thrive in this ecosystem by producing an array of enzymes for digestion and utilisation of different plant constituents. The search for novel and efficient fibrolytic cultures/enzymes will foster the development of different applications such as biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Exploring and exploiting these efficient cultures/enzymes using biotechnological interventions for enhanced production are necessary before their efficient application in industries. Recent advances in molecular biology such as metagenomic studies with high-throughput screening methods are enabling the development of novel strategies for effective delivery and enhancement of these enzymes. This chapter takes a holistic review of most extensively studied enzymes produced in the rumen and their role in digestion of fibre and other associated plant cell wall polymers.