Cellulase and xylanase synergism in industrial biotechnology

Biocatalysts provide a major advantage to bio-based economy over chemical catalysts by catalyzing various useful transformations in an environment friendly manner along with other major benefits of selectivity, specificity, and low energy consumption. Since last decade, cellulase is the 3rd highest used enzyme in industry in various processes. Xylanase is also one amongst the widely used enzymes, and many industrial applications require synergistic action of both of these enzymes. These applications predominantly include bioethanol production, deinking of waste paper, animal feed processing, food processing, paper and pulp production, removal of fine fibers from textile material (biostoning), and pharmaceuticals. These enzymes are produced by microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), and hence, the microorganisms producing both cellulases and xylanases are in high demand by these industries. This review focuses on the synergistic applications of cellulase and xylanase enzymes across various industrial sectors. It also discusses the potential applications and the need of the microbial systems (fungi and bacteria) secreting both of these enzymes and the future prospects of their development into an integral part of various industrial processes.