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Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
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Microbial chitinases and their relevance in various industries
Deepali Thakur1, Anjali Chauhan1, Prakriti Jhilta1
1Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, 173230, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Folia Microbiologica
|August 16, 2022
Summary
Microbial chitinases break down chitin, a biopolymer found in fungi and exoskeletons. These enzymes are diverse and have significant applications across agriculture, food, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer, composed of β-1,4-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) units.
- It is a key structural component in fungi, arthropod exoskeletons, and nematodes, with invertebrate shells being a primary commercial source.
- Microbial chitinases are crucial for chitin degradation, influencing ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microbial chitinases, focusing on their diversity and characteristics.
- To highlight the broad industrial applications of these enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbial chitinases.
- Analysis of enzyme diversity and properties.
- Survey of industrial applications.
Main Results:
- Several microbial chitinases have been identified and characterized.
- These enzymes exhibit diverse properties suitable for various applications.
- Significant potential exists for chitinases in agriculture, food, environmental, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Conclusions:
- Microbial chitinases are a diverse group of enzymes with important ecological roles.
- Their unique characteristics enable a wide range of industrial applications, offering sustainable solutions.
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