Catalases as biocatalysts in technical applications: current state and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Enzymology
• Industrial Biotechnology

Background:

• Catalases are highly efficient and stable enzymes with established industrial applications.
• Textile bleaching using catalases is a large-scale process utilized for decades.
• Limited substrate specificity has historically constrained catalase applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent applications of heme-containing catalases.
• To highlight the exploitation of catalase's hydrogen peroxide degradation capabilities.
• To explore emerging applications leveraging the (per)oxidase activity of catalases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific publications.
• Analysis of studies demonstrating novel catalase applications.
• Focus on heme-containing catalases and their functionalities.

Main Results:

• Catalases are versatile biocatalysts beyond traditional applications.
• Degradation of hydrogen peroxide remains a key industrial function.
• Emerging applications utilize the peroxidase activity of catalases.

Conclusions:

• Heme-containing catalases offer diverse and expanding application potential.
• Ongoing research continues to uncover new uses for these enzymes.
• Catalase technology is evolving with new approaches and functionalities.