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Phytase enzymology, applications, and biotechnology
1Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. XL20@cornell.edu
Biotechnology Letters
|December 18, 2003
Summary
Phytases (phosphohydrolases) break down phytate, aiding animal nutrition and reducing pollution. Emerging biotechnology is developing enhanced phytases for human nutrition, particularly for trace minerals in plant foods.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Phytases are phosphohydrolases that remove phosphate from phytate.
- Currently used in animal feed to enhance phosphorus absorption and mitigate environmental phosphorus pollution.
- Exploring phytases for improving human nutrition, especially trace mineral bioavailability in plant-based diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental biochemistry and applications of phytases.
- To highlight advancements in biotechnology for creating novel phytases with superior characteristics.
- To discuss the potential of phytases in human nutrition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of phytase biochemistry and applications.
- Analysis of biotechnological approaches for phytase development.
- Examination of studies on phytase efficacy in human nutrition.
Main Results:
- Phytases are crucial for phytate dephosphorylation.
- Established applications in animal nutrition and environmental management.
- Growing evidence supports phytase potential in human nutrition for mineral absorption.
Conclusions:
- Phytases offer significant benefits in animal nutrition and environmental protection.
- Biotechnological innovations are key to developing improved phytase variants.
- Phytases represent a promising strategy for enhancing human nutritional value of plant foods.