Pectinolytic enzymes

Abstract

Pectic substances are prominent structural constituents of primary cell walls and middle lamella in non-woody plant tissues. Pectinases are a group of enzymes that contribute to the degradation of pectin by various mechanisms. In nature, pectinases are important for plants as they help in cell wall extension and fruit ripening. They have a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by causing decomposition and recycling of plant materials. The industrial applications of pectinolytic enzymes include fruit juice clarification, tissue maceration, wine clarification, plant fiber processing, oil extraction, coffee and tea fermentation etc. Microbial production of pectinolytic enzymes is mainly from filamentous fungi, yeasts and filamentous and non-filamentous bacteria and is produced in two different techniques viz; submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF). SSF permits the use of agricultural and agro-industrial residues as substrates for enzyme production. As these residues are renewable and in an abundant supply, they represent a potential low cost raw material for microbial enzyme production. The significance of various agro-industrial residues as raw materials for pectinolytic enzyme production is highlighted in this article. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.